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Beauty and the Beast back on stage – after 250 years
In May Drottningholms Slottsteater is staging a new production of the classic Beauty and the Beast, a comic opera inspired by the original work that premiered here in 1778.
“This is a fairytale that has been told countless times since the 1700s,” says script-writer and director Tuvalisa Rangström. “We now welcome younger audiences from the age of 6 and up to this magical historical theatre and a show about love, chance and transformation,”
The comic opera Zémire and Azor had its premiere at Drottningholms Slottsteater in 1778 after having conquered Europe in just a matter of years and earned a reputation as Marie-Antoinette’s favourite opera. It’s easy to understand why, with its vindictive elves, spirit ballets, a fearless young heroine and an unhappy Prince who’s been turned into a monster.
Nowadays, adults and children know the story as Beauty and the Beast, a modern classic best known perhaps in its Disney rendition. At Drottningholms Slottsteater, a new work has now been created from the original version, with music largely borrowed from the 18th Century work Zémire and Azor, interspersed with folk music from the same time. The libretto is newly written and also based on the original drama, which is told by an actor, a dancer and four musicians. The production represents a meeting of 18th century theatrical whimsy, enlightenment ideas, beasts, beauties and crafty elves.
On a couple of occasions, the young audience members will be able to engage in true 18th Century philosophical debate as philosopher and pedagogue Johan G:son Berg leads a conversation about what makes a monster and what it means to be human.
Drottningholms Slottsteater has remained intact since 1766 and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is the only theatre of its kind in the world that still uses original hand operated stage machinery.
Zémire and Azor was written by André Grétry and Jean-Francois Marmontel.
Beauty and the Beast
A family show from 6 and up
Performances from 27 May to 6 June. For dates and times, see www.dtm.se
Script and direction: Tuvalisa Rangström
Musical concept: Maria Lindal
Actor: Jessie Lewis Skoglund
Dancer: Elisabeth Ludwig
Musicians: Maria Lindal, Kerstin Frödin, Magdalena Mårding and Olof Wendel
Tickets on sale from 18 March
With the generous support of the Jacob Wallenberg Foundation and the Infinity Foundation.
For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact:
Elin West, press officer at Drottningholms Slottsteater, 0733 50 26 25, elin.west@dtm.se
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Drottningholms Slottsteater has remained intact since 1766 and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is the only theatre of its kind in the world that still uses original hand operated stage machinery.
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