27.06.2026

DAVID STEFFENS | Mozart's "Die Entführung aus dem Serail" in Berlin

During his lifetime, it was his greatest operatic success – and to this day, Mozart’s Singspiel Die Entführung aus dem Serail remains one of the true ‘classics’ of the repertoire. This new production at the Berlin State Opera – directed by Andrea Moses and conducted by Thomas Guggeis – of this musically rich and highly inspired work, which Mozart composed in his mid-twenties for the ‘German National Singspiel’ in Vienna, established by the Habsburg Emperor Joseph II, is based on a unique concept and takes a fresh, exciting approach: The production has enlisted Bülent Ceylan – a prominent comedian known primarily in Germany – to take on the speaking role of Bassa Selim, as well as to comment on the action on stage, the libretto and the music from varying perspectives. He does all this using elements and stylistic devices familiar from his comedy shows, which have enjoyed nationwide success. In this way, Mozart’s work is presented in a new light – deliberately reflected upon from a contemporary perspective, whilst remaining humorous and entertaining.

David Steffens, who most recently appeared as Ochs auf Lerchenau in Strauss' Der Rosenkavalier at the Berlin State Opera, returns to the theatre in the role of Osmin – a part with which he has already attracted attention at the Opéra de Lyon and at the Salzburg Mozart Week. This offers him another opportunity to demonstrate his stylistic versatility, which not only makes him one of the most interesting Wagner and Strauss basses of the younger generation, but also an internationally sought-after concert soloist for works including Mozart’s Requiem, Haydn’s The Creation and The Seasons, and Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis.
 

Cast

Adela Zaharia, Konstanze
Serafina Starke, Blonde
Siyabonga Maqungo, Belmonte
Michael Laurenz, Pedrillo
David Steffens, Osmin
Bülent Ceylan, Bassa Selim

Thomas Guggeis, Musical Director
Andrea Moses, Director
Raimund Bauer, Set Design
Anja Rabes, Costume Design
Michael Höppner | Detlef Giese, Dramaturgy

State Opera Chorus
Staatskapelle Berlin