© Illustration Heike Werner & Jennifer Davison / Tony Gigov
Archive: Gold!
Krems Klangraum Krems Minoritenkirche Klangraum Krems Minoritenkirche
Opera for children aged 5+ by Leonard Evers & Flora Verbrugge
New production
Jacob, his fisherman father, and his mother are poor. So poor that they have to sleep in a hole under a tree. One day, however, Jacob goes fishing in the sea and catches a magic fish that is able to grant any wish. Jacob wishes for some warm shoes and returns home. Upon hearing this news, his parents wish for an ever-longer list of things: a house, a castle, an airplane… all made of gold. The fish grants all these wishes, but, when Jacob returns to the beach, the sea becomes increasingly threatening and dark.
“Gold!” is currently one of the most performed children’s operas. Based on the famous Brothers Grimm fairy tale “The Fisherman and his Wife”, this production engages viewers with its catchy melodies, poetry, and depth. The many percussion instruments in the opera, including drums, rattles, a glockenspiel, and also a singing saw, are particularly appealing to children. Moreover, the dangers of exploiting nature and the importance of treating the natural world with respect are addressed in a way that is appropriate for younger audiences. With the help of children in the audience, singer Jennifer Davison and percussionist Lev Konovalov ask questions that are more pressing than ever: What do we actually need to be happy? Is it really that important to have everything we wish for and is happiness always made of gold?
A cooperation with Offenes Haus Oberwart.
