Der Zwerg

Based on Oscar Wildes story The Birthday of the Infanta Zemlinskys singleact opera Der Zwerg is the tragic tale of a dwarf who is presented at court falls in love with the beautiful Donna Clara but is ultimately forced to see himself as others see him and to die of a broken heart Preceded by Schoenbergs Accompaniment to a Cinematographic Scene Op 34 Zemlinskys Romantic score is full of psychological intrigue Is Der Zwerg a critique of societys superficiality Is it the composers selfportrait in his doomed affair with Alma Schindler Director Tobias Kratzers stunning transparent production creates a space in which each character is thrown into sharp relief in this fine noble and melancholy work