Brundibár: A children’s opera

During the Holocaust, this opera brought hope to a darkening world. Now 68 years later, this performance in tandem with a companion play by Magnet Theatre gives new life to Brundibár’s universal message.

Brundibár is the tale of two children who need money to buy milk for their sick mother. Their quest is thwarted by an evil organ grinder named Brundibár. However, with the help of three intelligent animals, the children defeat the bully and return home in triumph.

Composer: Hans Krása
Libretto: Adolf Hoffmeister with English translation by Joža Karas
Director: Aviva Pelham
Conductor: Alexander Fokkens and Warren Patentia
Choreography: Roxy Levy
Set and costume design: Michael Mitchell

The complementary play, workshopped by Magnet Theatre and high school students, will use South African story-telling tradition to explore the themes of displacement, migration and refugees.

Playwright: Mark Fleishman, Frances Marek, Faniswa Yisa, Alex Halligey, Magnet trainees and cast
Director: Mark Fleishman, assisted by Frances Marek, Faniswa Yisa, Alex Halligey

Presented by Artscape, Cape Town Opera, Magnet Theatre and the Cape Town Holocaust Centre
Supported by the Graham Beck Foundation, Ann Kreitzer Will Trust, Ackerman Family Foundation, Czech Embassy, German Consulate, National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund, National Arts Council

School workshops and an exhibition of children’s artworks will run concurrently with the performances.

For times and prices, visit the Artscape website here.

Book tickets here.