back Content Gefördert im Fonds Neues Musiktheater Further Recommendations
back Content Gefördert im Fonds Neues Musiktheater Further Recommendations
back Content Take a look behind the scenes: on a tour of the opera house, we show you places that generally remain hidden from our audiences: ranging from the understage machinery, the wings and backstage areas and our huge costume store.
The insights we can give you into the opera house operations depend on the performance schedule and the current daily rehearsal schedule.
The tour takes place in German and is suitable for ages 12 and up.
For younger children, please note our special offer of the family tour or the special offers of the Junge Oper . Public tours Duration approx. 1 ½ hours
Advance tickets: adults 7,00 €, children/reduced 4,00 €
General terms and conditions apply .
Tickets for the public tours
Special group tours All-inclusive price for up to 15 persons 105,- €.
Each additional adult person 7,00 €, each additional child or reduced person 4,00 €.
Contact:
Coordination of opera house tours
Email: fuehrungen@operamrhein.de
Tel. +49 211 89 25 603 Tours for school classes You will find more information here .
Important information / rules of conduct for the guided tours Domiliciary Right
The instructions of the theatre guides must be followed at all times.
For your own safety, you are not allowed to leave the group or wander around the Opera House on your own initiative.
If children are present during a guided tour, the official chaperones are responsible for supervising them. They are responsible for ensuring that the children follow the instructions of the theatre guides.
If the safety instructions of our staff are disregarded, the tour may be cancelled without refund. In the event of misconduct and/or disturbances by individual persons, our theatre guide may also expel them from the premises during the tour.
Accessibility
Please note that our tours are not barrier-free due to the structural and historical conditions. It is therefore unfortunately not possible to bring prams, wheelchairs and walkers.
Clothing / Wardrobe
Please wear sturdy, comfortable shoes (flip-flops and high heels are not suitable).
Clothes/backpacks can be left at the cloakroom free of charge. No liability is assumed for clothing and valuables. Please therefore carry valuables with you.
Accidents / Emergencies / Evacuation
In the event of accidents or injuries, please inform your theatre guide immediately. Our staff are trained to deal with such situations and know the locations of the first aid boxes, defibrillators and fire alarms in the building.
If an alarm is triggered inside the building, please follow the instructions of your theatre guide and leave the building as quickly as possible.
Declaration of consent
By purchasing a ticket and taking part in one of our guided tours, you confirm that you agree to the rules listed and will abide by them.
Note on photography during opera house tours A selfie in the foyer or a group photo on stage? Sure, this is allowed. We are also happy about the linking of our channels on social media!
Picture, video and audio recordings of our staff and artists are not permitted. This also applies if they are only in the background to the motif you have chosen.
We are obliged to protect the personal rights of our employees and artists.
Please also follow the separate instructions of our opera house guides regarding the respective stage sets. Photography is also not permitted during new productions and premieres.
Thank you for your understanding. Note on disabled access Opernhaus Düsseldorf is an historic building. Especially in backstage areas it is not accessible to the disabled. Those taking part in our guided tours must be prepared to walk for some time without being able to sit down. Several floors can only be reached by stairs (no lift). We appreciate your understanding.
back Content Further Recommendations
back Content Synopsis ACT ONE
The American naval officer Benjamin Franklin Pinkerton is looking for a house in Nagasaki for the duration of his posting to Japan. In keeping with Japanese tradition he agrees a contract with Goro, a real estate and marriage broker which provides him with a house and a Japanese bride, the geisha girl Cio-Cio-San, also known as “Butterfly”, for a term of 999 years. The key point of this agreement is that Pinkerton is allowed to cancel both the marriage and the rental agreement at any time. On the day of the wedding he waits impatiently for his bride. He regards the Japanese wedding ceremony as no more than a tiresome formality to be got out of the way as soon as possible. He is greeted by the American consul Sharpless. In the light of Pinkerton’s enthusiasm for his nonbinding rental and marriage contracts, he advises him not to treat this relationship too recklessly. Cio-Cio-San, on the other hand, takes the marriage very seriously. She has already been to the American consulate to find out about America and to the Christian mission to take her husband’s faith. Once Cio-Cio-San appears together with her friends and relatives, the ceremony can be completed. The celebrations which follow are abruptly interrupted by her furious uncle Bonzo. He has learned that Butterfly has renounced her Japanese religion and curses her. The rest of the family also rejects her. That evening Butterfly is made ready for her wedding night by her confidant Suzuki. The enamoured Pinkerton can hardly wait to be alone with his “toy”. Butterfly confesses that she truly loves him.
ACT TWO
Three years have passed since Pinkerton’s departure. Ostracised by society and her family, Butterfly lives alone with Suzuki. While Butterfly waits resolutely each day for her husband to return, Suzuki has doubts whether Pinkerton will keep his promise to return. Sharpless visits Butterfly to deliver a letter from Pinkerton. His cautious efforts to prepare her for the news that Pinkerton is on the way to Japan, though not to see her, fail. Cio-Cio-San prevents him from reading out the letter which contains the bitter truth. Though Butterfly is in desperate need of money, she rejects the rich Yamadori when he asks for her hand. She believes too strongly in her “American” marriage, which – unlike a Japanese one – is binding. When Sharpless advises her to accept Yamadori’s proposal, Butterfly shows him her child, Pinkerton’s son – whom she sees as the symbol of her unbreakable bond with Pinkerton. Cannon fire announces the arrival of a ship. Butterfly is convinced: this must be Pinkerton. She and Suzuki spread out flowers to welcome him. Then, with the child, she waits all night for Pinkerton.
ACT THREE
By daybreak Pinkerton still has not arrived. Butterfly lies down exhausted, ready for sleep. Ultimately Sharpless and Pinkerton enter accompanied by Pinkerton’s new wife Kate. Sharpless reveals to Suzuki that the couple has come to take the child away with them to America. Pinkerton, who avoids any encounter with Butterfly, withdraws from the situation and runs away. When Cio-Cio-San wakes and sees this foreign woman, she understands immediately. However, she is only prepared to hand the child to Pinkerton himself. Suzuki attempts to stay with her but Butterfly sends everyone away. She says farewell to her life. Then she commits suicide with her father’s dagger. Further Recommendations
back Content Take a look behind the scenes: on a tour of the opera house, we show you places that generally remain hidden from our audiences: ranging from the understage machinery, the wings and backstage areas and our huge costume store.
The insights we can give you into the opera house operations depend on the performance schedule and the current daily rehearsal schedule.
The tour takes place in German and is suitable for ages 12 and up.
For younger children, please note our special offer of the family tour or the special offers of the Junge Oper . Public tours Duration approx. 1 ½ hours
Advance tickets: adults 7,00 €, children/reduced 4,00 €
General terms and conditions apply .
Tickets for the public tours
Special group tours All-inclusive price for up to 15 persons 105,- €.
Each additional adult person 7,00 €, each additional child or reduced person 4,00 €.
Contact:
Coordination of opera house tours
Email: fuehrungen@operamrhein.de
Tel. +49 211 89 25 603 Tours for school classes You will find more information here .
Important information / rules of conduct for the guided tours Domiliciary Right
The instructions of the theatre guides must be followed at all times.
For your own safety, you are not allowed to leave the group or wander around the Opera House on your own initiative.
If children are present during a guided tour, the official chaperones are responsible for supervising them. They are responsible for ensuring that the children follow the instructions of the theatre guides.
If the safety instructions of our staff are disregarded, the tour may be cancelled without refund. In the event of misconduct and/or disturbances by individual persons, our theatre guide may also expel them from the premises during the tour.
Accessibility
Please note that our tours are not barrier-free due to the structural and historical conditions. It is therefore unfortunately not possible to bring prams, wheelchairs and walkers.
Clothing / Wardrobe
Please wear sturdy, comfortable shoes (flip-flops and high heels are not suitable).
Clothes/backpacks can be left at the cloakroom free of charge. No liability is assumed for clothing and valuables. Please therefore carry valuables with you.
Accidents / Emergencies / Evacuation
In the event of accidents or injuries, please inform your theatre guide immediately. Our staff are trained to deal with such situations and know the locations of the first aid boxes, defibrillators and fire alarms in the building.
If an alarm is triggered inside the building, please follow the instructions of your theatre guide and leave the building as quickly as possible.
Declaration of consent
By purchasing a ticket and taking part in one of our guided tours, you confirm that you agree to the rules listed and will abide by them.
Note on photography during opera house tours A selfie in the foyer or a group photo on stage? Sure, this is allowed. We are also happy about the linking of our channels on social media!
Picture, video and audio recordings of our staff and artists are not permitted. This also applies if they are only in the background to the motif you have chosen.
We are obliged to protect the personal rights of our employees and artists.
Please also follow the separate instructions of our opera house guides regarding the respective stage sets. Photography is also not permitted during new productions and premieres.
Thank you for your understanding. Note on disabled access Opernhaus Düsseldorf is an historic building. Especially in backstage areas it is not accessible to the disabled. Those taking part in our guided tours must be prepared to walk for some time without being able to sit down. Several floors can only be reached by stairs (no lift). We appreciate your understanding.
Back Content Synopsis ACT ONE
IN A FARAWAY DARK FOREST …
Fleeing from a dangerous giant serpent, Tamino is rescued at the last moment by three ladies attendant on the Queen of Night. Recovering from a swoon, Tamino at first sees Papageno and assumes that it is he who saved him. Papageno, a birdcatcher by trade and an unwilling bachelor, does not disillusion him. Reappearing, the three ladies punish Papageno for his untruth by striking him dumb. They then show Tamino a portrait of Pamina, the Queen of Night’s daughter, who immediately conquers his heart. Shortly afterwards the Queen of Night herself appears and tells Tamino of the abduction of her daughter by Sarastro. She calls upon him to rescue Pamina, which Tamino is only too happy to undertake. The three ladies give Papageno his voice back and order him to accompany Tamino. As a protection against the dangers of his mission, they present Tamino with a magic flute, while Papageno is given a set of magic bells. Three boys, the ladies say, will show Tamino and Papageno the way to Sarastro’s domain. Pamina is being molested by Monostatos, a slave of Sarastro. Momentarily separated from Tamino on their way to find Sarastro, Papageno comes upon the scene and is just as scared by the appearance of Monostatos as Monostatos is by Papageno’s birdcatcher garb. Monostatos flees, and Papageno, alone with Pamina, informs her that Tamino is on his way to rescue her. He himself is sad that he still has no partner in life, and Pamina consoles him. The three boys have brought Tamino to the gates of Sarastro’s domain. Before he is even able to enter, Tamino has begun to doubt whether the Queen’s description of Sarastro as a villain is justified. He starts to play on the magic flute, and enchants Nature with the magic of music. Meanwhile Papageno is helping Pamina to escape, but they are caught by Monostatos and his associates; however, Papageno is able to ward them off with the help of his magic bells. Then Sarastro himself appears with his entourage. Monostatos brings Tamino to him and at last the two young people meet for the first time, but not for long, because on Sarastro’s instruction they first have to undergo a series of trials.
ACT TWO
THE TRIAL OF S ILENCE
Tamino and Papageno are to undertake to keep silent. When the three ladies appear to them uttering dire warnings, they are brought into strong temptation. Tamino remains steadfastly silent, Papageno promptly starts chattering. Meanwhile, Monostatos is taking advantage of another opportunity to harass the sleeping Pamina. He is interrupted by the appearance of the Queen of Night, who orders her daughter to kill Sarastro, leaving Pamina in terrible indecision. Relinquishing any idea of punishment, Sarastro does his best to comfort her.
THE TRIAL OF TEMPTATION
Tamino and Papageno are to resist all sorts of temptations: no talking, no contact with women, nothing to eat! The three boys bring them their flute and bells again, and also food, which Tamino resolutely refuses to touch. Even Pamina cannot bring him to speak; this she misinterprets as repulsion and laments the loss of Tamino’s love. Before their last and greatest trial Pamina and Tamino are brought together for the last time to take leave of each other. Papageno is no longer permitted to take part in the trials; instead, he desires only to yearn for a partner over a glass of wine. Pamina for her part believes that she has lost Tamino forever, and is on the point of suicide, but the three boys stop her and convince her of Tamino’s continued love. Reassured and glad, Pamina accepts their invitation to be reunited with Tamino. Together at last, Tamino and Pamina undergo the final great trial.
THE TRIAL OF FIRE AND WATER
The music of the magic flute and their love for each other enable Tamino and Pamina to overcome their fear and to withstand the dangers of fire and water. As for Papageno, he is still vainly longing for the love of his life. He too is on the point of suicide, but he too is prevented by the three boys. At last Papageno’s dream comes true, and he and his newly found Papagena look forward to a host of children.
MEANWHILE …
… the Queen of Night, her three ladies and the turncoat Monostatos are preparing an assault on Sarastro and his followers, but their attack fails. Tamino and Pamina have completed their trials and are finally united. Further Recommendations
back Content Further Recommendations
back Content Further Recommendations
back Content Synopsis ACT ONE
The American naval officer Benjamin Franklin Pinkerton is looking for a house in Nagasaki for the duration of his posting to Japan. In keeping with Japanese tradition he agrees a contract with Goro, a real estate and marriage broker which provides him with a house and a Japanese bride, the geisha girl Cio-Cio-San, also known as “Butterfly”, for a term of 999 years. The key point of this agreement is that Pinkerton is allowed to cancel both the marriage and the rental agreement at any time. On the day of the wedding he waits impatiently for his bride. He regards the Japanese wedding ceremony as no more than a tiresome formality to be got out of the way as soon as possible. He is greeted by the American consul Sharpless. In the light of Pinkerton’s enthusiasm for his nonbinding rental and marriage contracts, he advises him not to treat this relationship too recklessly. Cio-Cio-San, on the other hand, takes the marriage very seriously. She has already been to the American consulate to find out about America and to the Christian mission to take her husband’s faith. Once Cio-Cio-San appears together with her friends and relatives, the ceremony can be completed. The celebrations which follow are abruptly interrupted by her furious uncle Bonzo. He has learned that Butterfly has renounced her Japanese religion and curses her. The rest of the family also rejects her. That evening Butterfly is made ready for her wedding night by her confidant Suzuki. The enamoured Pinkerton can hardly wait to be alone with his “toy”. Butterfly confesses that she truly loves him.
ACT TWO
Three years have passed since Pinkerton’s departure. Ostracised by society and her family, Butterfly lives alone with Suzuki. While Butterfly waits resolutely each day for her husband to return, Suzuki has doubts whether Pinkerton will keep his promise to return. Sharpless visits Butterfly to deliver a letter from Pinkerton. His cautious efforts to prepare her for the news that Pinkerton is on the way to Japan, though not to see her, fail. Cio-Cio-San prevents him from reading out the letter which contains the bitter truth. Though Butterfly is in desperate need of money, she rejects the rich Yamadori when he asks for her hand. She believes too strongly in her “American” marriage, which – unlike a Japanese one – is binding. When Sharpless advises her to accept Yamadori’s proposal, Butterfly shows him her child, Pinkerton’s son – whom she sees as the symbol of her unbreakable bond with Pinkerton. Cannon fire announces the arrival of a ship. Butterfly is convinced: this must be Pinkerton. She and Suzuki spread out flowers to welcome him. Then, with the child, she waits all night for Pinkerton.
ACT THREE
By daybreak Pinkerton still has not arrived. Butterfly lies down exhausted, ready for sleep. Ultimately Sharpless and Pinkerton enter accompanied by Pinkerton’s new wife Kate. Sharpless reveals to Suzuki that the couple has come to take the child away with them to America. Pinkerton, who avoids any encounter with Butterfly, withdraws from the situation and runs away. When Cio-Cio-San wakes and sees this foreign woman, she understands immediately. However, she is only prepared to hand the child to Pinkerton himself. Suzuki attempts to stay with her but Butterfly sends everyone away. She says farewell to her life. Then she commits suicide with her father’s dagger. Further Recommendations
back Content Take a look behind the scenes: on a tour of the opera house, we show you places that generally remain hidden from our audiences: ranging from the understage machinery, the wings and backstage areas and our huge costume store.
The insights we can give you into the opera house operations depend on the performance schedule and the current daily rehearsal schedule.
The tour takes place in German and is suitable for ages 12 and up.
For younger children, please note our special offer of the family tour or the special offers of the Junge Oper . Public tours Duration approx. 1 ½ hours
Advance tickets: adults 7,00 €, children/reduced 4,00 €
General terms and conditions apply .
Tickets for the public tours
Special group tours All-inclusive price for up to 15 persons 105,- €.
Each additional adult person 7,00 €, each additional child or reduced person 4,00 €.
Contact:
Coordination of opera house tours
Email: fuehrungen@operamrhein.de
Tel. +49 211 89 25 603 Tours for school classes You will find more information here .
Important information / rules of conduct for the guided tours Domiliciary Right
The instructions of the theatre guides must be followed at all times.
For your own safety, you are not allowed to leave the group or wander around the Opera House on your own initiative.
If children are present during a guided tour, the official chaperones are responsible for supervising them. They are responsible for ensuring that the children follow the instructions of the theatre guides.
If the safety instructions of our staff are disregarded, the tour may be cancelled without refund. In the event of misconduct and/or disturbances by individual persons, our theatre guide may also expel them from the premises during the tour.
Accessibility
Please note that our tours are not barrier-free due to the structural and historical conditions. It is therefore unfortunately not possible to bring prams, wheelchairs and walkers.
Clothing / Wardrobe
Please wear sturdy, comfortable shoes (flip-flops and high heels are not suitable).
Clothes/backpacks can be left at the cloakroom free of charge. No liability is assumed for clothing and valuables. Please therefore carry valuables with you.
Accidents / Emergencies / Evacuation
In the event of accidents or injuries, please inform your theatre guide immediately. Our staff are trained to deal with such situations and know the locations of the first aid boxes, defibrillators and fire alarms in the building.
If an alarm is triggered inside the building, please follow the instructions of your theatre guide and leave the building as quickly as possible.
Declaration of consent
By purchasing a ticket and taking part in one of our guided tours, you confirm that you agree to the rules listed and will abide by them.
Note on photography during opera house tours A selfie in the foyer or a group photo on stage? Sure, this is allowed. We are also happy about the linking of our channels on social media!
Picture, video and audio recordings of our staff and artists are not permitted. This also applies if they are only in the background to the motif you have chosen.
We are obliged to protect the personal rights of our employees and artists.
Please also follow the separate instructions of our opera house guides regarding the respective stage sets. Photography is also not permitted during new productions and premieres.
Thank you for your understanding. Note on disabled access Opernhaus Düsseldorf is an historic building. Especially in backstage areas it is not accessible to the disabled. Those taking part in our guided tours must be prepared to walk for some time without being able to sit down. Several floors can only be reached by stairs (no lift). We appreciate your understanding.