Die Zauberflöte

A troupe of travelling players under the direction of Viennese magician Kratky-Baschik are working under high pressure to create their very own, darker version of Mozart’s opera THE MAGIC FLUTE. The end justifies any means: they write new songs in a variety of styles (“Who will be the first to hit f6?”). Based on the original composition, they mix fragments of the libretto with improvisations and new lyrics, and, in terms of aesthetics, they search for a style reminiscent of the lost world of vaudeville, cabaret and Prater street theatre. This (fictional) group’s crises and joyful moments along the path to the perfect show increasingly blend with the real origin story of Mozart’s world famous opera.

In 1791, the year of his death, the highly indebted composer completes his work about Pamina and Tamino, who find their way to each other in the midst of a clash between dark forces. This highlights the utopia of a kingdom of reason and humanism in which colourful characters also find their place. THE MAGIC FLUTE, which will go on to become the most famous opera in the world, premieres on a backyard stage in Vienna. The return to this world where everything began becomes a joyful, musical reflection on the magic of the stage and the power of togetherness. Mozart and Schikaneder would have danced in their graves.

program

Die Zauberflöte
Nils Strunk und Lukas Schrenk nach Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart und Emanuel Schikaneder
The opera but not the opera

Place

Wiener Burgtheater – The Stage of Great Drama and Timeless Classics

The Wiener Burgtheater, often referred to as Austria’s "first stage," is one of the most prestigious and influential German-speaking theaters in Europe. Founded in 1741, it has shaped the theatrical landscape for centuries, standing for artistic excellence, literary classics, and contemporary productions.

Located on Vienna’s Ringstrasse, the Burgtheater is not only an architectural masterpiece but also a place where great playwrights such as Goethe, Schiller, Shakespeare, Arthur Schnitzler, Thomas Bernhard, and Elfriede Jelinek come to life through groundbreaking performances. With its renowned ensemble and innovative direction, the theater masterfully combines tradition with modernity, captivating thousands of theatergoers every year.

Getting There by Public Transport

Subway:

• U2 – Rathaus station (approx. 5-minute walk)

Tram:

• Lines 1, D, 71 – Rathausplatz/Burgtheater stop
• Lines 2, 46 – Dr.-Karl-Renner-Ring stop

Bus:

• Line 13A – Theater in der Josefstadt stop (approx. 10-minute walk)

Thanks to its prime location on Vienna’s Ringstrasse, the Burgtheater is easily accessible by public transport.

Burgtheater Vienna – Where Theater Comes to Life at the Highest Level

With its stunning productions, world-class ensemble, and rich history, the Burgtheater Vienna is the beating heart of Austria’s cultural scene and an absolute must for those who love the magic of theater.