The Cunning Little Vixen

Opera by Leoš Janáček Directed by Priit Võigemast

AMSERV presents:

Opera by Leoš Janáček
Libreto by Leoš Janáček after Rudolf Těsnohlídek’s serialised novella “Adventures of Vixen Sharp-Ears”
World premiere on November 6, 1924 in National Theatre Brno
Premiere in the Estonian National Opera on January 30, 2026

Recommended age: youth and adults
Duration: 1 h 50 min, one intermission
Sung in Estonian with subtitles in Estonian and English.

Comic strip. Opera. Film.

People are born, grow up, find a partner, live and die. Just like foxes.

The Cunning Little Vixen is an opera that refuses to stay within conventional boundaries. Composer Leoš Janáček based it on a newspaper comic strip, creating a story that unfolds almost like a film: short scenes, a brisk pace, vivid action, dance and song woven together. Its characters move between the human and animal worlds, but this is no children’s fairy tale. It is a witty, poetic and at times sharply poignant story about love, freedom, death – and the inevitable cycle of nature to which our own lives are forever bound.

Director Priit Võigemast, one of Estonia’s best-known drama actors and stage directors, makes his opera-directing debut at Estonia. From the world of spoken theatre, he brings his distinctive approach: finely drawn characters, dynamic stage action and a strong sense of ensemble.

Instead of a static evening at the opera, expect an absorbing theatrical world filled with humour, heartbreak, sorrow and untamed joy. A wonderful opportunity to discover opera from an entirely different perspective.

Janáček on the Estonian opera stage for the first time.
Performed in Estonian with surtitles in Estonian and English.
Music Director and Conductor: Arvo Volmer
This production is intended for adult audiences.

“…one of the most delightful surprises of recent seasons.” – Sirp

Stage Director: Priit Võigemast
Music Director: Arvo Volmer
Conductor: Kaspar Mänd
Designer: Rosita Raud (Estonian Theatre for Young Audiences)
Choreographer: Ingmar Jõela
Video: Aljona Movko-Mägi
Light Design: Priidu Adlas (Estonian Drama Theatre)
Translation: Peeter Volkonski

Cast:
Sharp-Ears the Vixen: Kristel Pärtna, Elena Brazhnyk
Forester: Tamar Nugis, Rauno Elp
Harašta, poacher: Raiko Raalik, Priit Volmer
Schoolmaster / Mosquito: Rafael Dicenta, Mart Madiste 
Gold-Stripe the fox: Helen Lokuta, Karis Trass
Forester’s Wife: Kadri Raalik, Arete Kerge
Badger / Priest: Stanislav Sheljahhovski, Mart Laur 
Dog / Woodpecker: Janne Ševtšenko, Annabel Soode
Rooster / Jay: Kadri Nirgi, Katri Juss
The Innkeeper: Jakob Tomson, Rein Saar, Tiit Kaljund
Owl / Innkeeper’s Wife: Juuli Lill, Aule Urb
Chocholka, the hen: Maris Liloson, Danna Malõsko
The Little Sharp Ears: Greta Marie Niinepuu, Anette Kalda, Marharyta Brazhnyk 
Forester's kids: Liam Hussar, Joonas Mikk, Tobias Tark, Peeter Veltmann (Estonian National Opera Boys’ Choir)
Frog, Cricket, Grasshopper: Kristofer Cross, Erik Kurahashi, Uku Sander Leisalu, Rannar Mälk, Hindrik Voltri, Bert Sebastian Maripuu (Estonian National Opera Boys’ Choir)
Fox cubs: Estonian National Opera Boys’ Choir
Hens, creatures of the forest: Estonian National Opera Chorus – sopranos, altos
Dancers: Germo Toonikus, Sofia Kirs, Polina Albert, Arina Kotova, Allar Valge, Arina Šarapova, Mehis Saaber, Richard Beljohin