19.07.2025

IRIS VERMILLION | New production of "Die Schweigsame Frau" at the Berlin State Opera

For Richard Strauss, who was approaching seventy, it was a stroke of luck when, at the beginning of the 1930s, the renowned writer Stefan Zweig, known for his artful, thought-provoking novels, novellas and theatre plays, recommended himself as his new librettist. In a mutually inspiring collaboration, they created a truly ‘comic opera’ based on a comedy by Ben Jonson from Shakespeare's time, full of striking characters, tempo and humour, but also of great thoughtfulness. ‘The opera is a direct hit, if perhaps only in the 21st century,’ said Strauss himself, who succeeded in creating a work of great compositional virtuosity and relaxed cheerfulness in difficult, dark times, a story of people longing for peace and quiet or indulging in busyness. Director Jan Philipp Gloger is making his debut at the Staatsoper - and for Christian Thielemann it is his first new production as General Music Director of the house, a post once held by Strauss.

Iris Vermillion, who has performed Richard Strauss's highly dramatic mezzo roles such as Herodias, Klytämnestra and Amme on many international stages during her career, returns to the Staatsoper Berlin for this special occasion and will be seen in the role of the housekeeper from her comic side this time, which will also contribute significantly to the socio-critical atmosphere of the piece ...

Cast

Peter Rose, Sir Morosus
Iris Vermillion, his housekeeper
Samuel Hasselhorn, Barber Schneidebart
Siyabonga Maqungo, Henry Morosus
Brenda Rae, Aminta, his wife
Serafina Starke, Isotta
Rebecka Wallroth, Carlotta
Dionysios Avgerinos, Morbio
Manuel Winckhler, Vanuzzi
Friedrich Hamel, Farfallo

Christian Thielemann, musical director
Jan Philipp Gloger, production
Ben Baur, stage
Justina Klimczyk, costumes
Dani Juris, rehearsal choir
Detlef Giese, dramaturgy

State Opera Chorus
Staatskapelle Berlin