The special thing about Die Passagierin is already its genesis. Mieczysław Weinberg wrote the opera in 1968, but it was not performed for the first time until 2006. For 38 years the work remained in the drawer. Now De Nationale Opera is bringing the production to Amsterdam, in a co-production with the Bayerische Staatsoper München, based on a concept by director Tobias Kratzer and conductor Vladimir Jurowski. Six performances, from April 17 to May 2, 2026.
The story takes place on a cruise ship en route to Brazil. German Lisa, a former SS camp guard at Auschwitz, thinks she recognizes Polish prisoner Marta. What follows is an opera that moves back and forth between the present of 1960 and memories of the camp. Jenny Carlstedt sings the role of Lisa, the guardian who is confronted with her own past. Carlstedt was previously praised for her portrayal in Innocence by Kaija Saariaho, so expectations are high. Opposite her is Sylvia D'Eramo as Marta, the Polish prisoner whose presence sets everything in motion. Adam Hickox leads the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra through Weinberg's score, which is heavy and penetrating, just as the story demands.
The set is by Rainer Sellmaier, and it is immediately the most striking thing about the production. A cross-section of a cruise ship: sleeping quarters, corridors, layered spaces. Within that one structure, the present of 1960 and the memories of Auschwitz slide across one another. Two timelines, visible simultaneously. Lighting is by Michael Bauer, video by Manuel Braun and Jonas Dahl. The opera is sung in multiple languages, including German and Polish, which only adds to the layeredness of the story.
For 38 years, the work remained in the drawer. Now De Nationale Opera is bringing the production to Amsterdam.
Die Passagierin lasts 2 hours and 45 minutes including intermission. The opera is based on the autobiographical book by Auschwitz survivor Zofia Posmysz, one of the first works to illuminate the Holocaust from the perpetrator's perspective. Tickets are available starting at 25 euros. Laura Roling will provide an introduction before the performances for those who wish to take the context into the auditorium.