At Operetta Land theater maker Steef de Jong opens the doors to a realm where imagination writes the laws. Together with writer Paulien Cornelisse, he created a world in which romance and humor constantly clash with the seriousness of a looming enemy. On stage, a lively kingdom emerges where singing is the standard language and problems are solved while singing.
The story tilts when King Pygmalion from neighboring Operania imposes his will. Where previously celebration and music set the tone, now tension creeps in. The question hanging over the performance: can fantasy be strong enough to withstand tyranny?
The music is a collage of highlights from the operatic repertoire. From Johann Strauss Jr. to Jacques Offenbach and Arthur Sullivan: familiar melodies are given a new context, complemented by lively and sometimes ironic texts. The Netherlands Chamber Orchestra conducted by Aldert Vermeulen plays the arrangements with flair, making the performance sound both familiar and surprising at the same time.
"Operetta Land proves that you can use cardboard, imagination and music to create a world that is at once lighthearted, exciting and compelling."
On stage, in addition to De Jong himself, are soloists such as Laetitia Gerards, Elenora Hu and Raoul Steffani. Together with Marc Pantus, Steven van der Linden, Frederik Bergman and Aaike Nortier, they form an ensemble that is as playful as it is vocally strong. Set, costumes and direction are also by De Jong, who once again uses his cardboard style and imaginative approach to transform the Great Hall of the Dutch National Opera & Ballet into a colorful spectacle.
Operetta Land is family performance and artistic experiment. It appeals to children with humor and simplicity, while lovers of music history find pleasure in the quotes and winks.