Skip to main content

A magical opera for all ages

Join Hänsel
and Gretel as they embark on a magical adventure through a mystical forest,
brought to life by the Komische Oper Berlin in an enchanting operatic
performance. The Komische Oper Berlin invites you to a
world of enchantment, wonder and timeless storytelling with its stunning new
production Hansel and Gretel. Engelbert Humperdinck's beloved
fairy-tale opera takes centre stage at the Schillertheater from 25
January to 21 April 2025 and is given an imaginative twist by acclaimed
director Dagmar Manzel.



Hansel and Gretel at a glance


This full-scale adventure takes place in a mystical forest, complete with whimsical characters, aerial acrobatics and Humperdinck's unforgettable score. The story follows the brave siblings, Hansel and Gretel, as they navigate a dark and mysterious forest, encounter a magical (and dangerous!) gingerbread house and ultimately outwit a cunning witch.  

Under the expert baton of conductor Yi-Chen Lin, Humperdinck's lush compositions bring the fantastical woodland on stage to life. The talented cast features Susan Zarrabi as Hansel and Alma Sadé as Gretel. Add in the delightful voices of the Kinderchor der Komischen Oper Berlin and an array of dazzling choreography, and you have a show that promises magic for all ages.


Hansel and Gretel highlights   


  • Aerial acrobatics: Watch as Paulin Raatz defies gravity, soaring high above the stage as a fantastical creature from the forest.   
  • Enchanting choir performances: The Kinderchor der Komischen Oper Berlin, featuring over 100 young singers, adds a hauntingly beautiful dimension to the tale.   
  • Star-studded cast: From Susan Zarrabi's captivating Hansel to Daniel Kirch's menacing witch, every role is brought to life by exceptional talent.    
  • Atmospheric set design: The Schillertheater is transformed into a dense, magical forest, pulling audiences into the heart of the fairy tale.   
  • Timeless appeal: With its themes of courage, resilience and the triumph of good over evil, Hansel and Gretel continues to resonate with audiences of all generations.

Discover Hansel and Gretel

The story of Hansel and Gretel has been cherished for generations, originating from the Brothers Grimm's collection of fairy tales. Engelbert Humperdinck and his sister Adelheid Wette adapted this classic into an opera in the late 19th century, creating a masterpiece that blends Wagnerian grandeur with childlike whimsy.   

This production takes the opera to new heights with its integration of aerial stunts and contemporary choreography. Dagmar Manzel, celebrated for her imaginative staging of Pippi Longstocking, infuses this performance with fresh energy while staying true to the original's themes of bravery and the enduring power of love. 


Top tips for Hansel and Gretel   

  • The Schillertheater is conveniently located near the U-Bahn stops Ernst-Reuter-Platz and Deutsche Oper. Bismarckstraße station, with elevator access, is ideal for those needing extra assistance.    
  • Limited parking is available on the Bismarckstraße median, with additional spaces for guests with disabilities on Am Schillertheater.    
  • The theatre offers an accessible entrance to the left of the main doors, as well as dedicated spaces for wheelchair users and their companions. Make sure to reserve these spots in advance.   
  • Tickets can sell out quickly. Secure your seats early online or via phone.   
  • The show is in German with German and English surtitles.



Buy ticket

Additional information
  • Engelbert Humperdinck
  • Fairy-tale opera in three acts [1893]
  • Libretto by Adelheid Wette

Participating artists
Dagmar Barbara Fiebach (Kinderchor)
Olaf Freese (Licht)
James Gaffigan (Musikalische Leitung)
Sophie Jira (Dramaturgie)
Christoph Jonas (Choreografie)
Yi-Chen Lin (Musikalische Leitung)
Dagmar Manzel (Inszenierung)
Korbinian Schmidt (Bühnenbild)
Günter Papendell (Peter, Besenbinder)
Joachim Goltz (Peter, Besenbinder)
Ulrike Helzel (Gertrud, Mutter)
Mirka Wagner (Gertrud, Mutter)
Susan Zarrabi (Hänsel)
Elisabeth Wrede (Hänsel)
Alma Sadé (Gretel)
Penny Sofroniadou (Gretel)
Daniel Kirch (Knusperhexe)
Ivan Turšić (Knusperhexe)
Julia Schaffenrath (Sandmännchen / Taumännchen)
Manni Laudenbach (Komödiant)
Paulin Raatz (Fliegende Hexe / Engel)
Kinderchor der Komischen Oper Berlin (Kuchenkinder)
Michael Fernandez (Tänzer)
Daniel Daniela Ojeda Yrureta (Tänzer)
Lorenzo Soragni (Tänzer)
Kai Chun Chuang (Tänzer)
Brittany Young (Tänzerin)
Lauren Mayer (Tänzerin)
Claudia Greco (Tänzerin)
Tanz-Theater-Ensemble e.V. TanzZwiET (Hexen / Engel / Wesen)
Orchester der Komischen Oper Berlin (Orchester)
Dates
February 2025
MoTuWeThFrSaSu
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28