TheMagicFlute

Download the programme for The Magic Flute here. Souvenir programmes are available to purchase at the performances.

NEW ZEALAND PREMIERE / EXCLUSIVE TO AUCKLAND ARTS FESTIVAL

Mozart’s master comedy opera is richly reimagined in a boundary-busting production by internationally-acclaimed opera company Komische Oper Berlin and co-directed by Barrie Kosky and Suzanne Andrade from British theatre group 1927, with animation by Paul Barritt.

Blending projected animation with stunning live performance in an ingenious kaleidoscope of 1920s silent movies and Tim Burton-esque dark humour, this visual fantasia is made for film buffs and art lovers, as well as fans of opera.

Billows of smoke morph into images, giant spiders roam the forest, elephants splash in cocktail glasses – this wildly inventive The Magic Flute is like no other.

With its captivating and innovative staging where film animation interacts with live singers, this production has thrilled audiences around the world. Now New Zealanders have the chance to see this most popular of operas, featuring a large international cast and crew with a 75-strong glorious-sounding Berlin chorus and soloists travelling to Aotearoa and accompanied by the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, exclusively at Auckland Arts Festival 2019.

Performed in German with English surtitles

Images: Michael Smith

Find Out More
Watch the trailer here

Read a preview of The Magic Flute in The New Zealand Herald here
Barrie Kosky talks to RNZ National's Kim Hill. Listen here 
Animator Paul Barritt talks to RNZ Concert's Eva Radich. Listen here 

Hear from the opening night audience here

Backstage at The Magic Flute. Watch the video here

Reviews
From flying pink elephants to giant singing spiders, Barritt’s dazzling artwork transports the accomplished performers into a 1920s fantasy land that at times mirrors a hallucinogenic dreamlike state as the cast flawlessly interact and effortlessly respond to the opulent visuals surrounding them." – The West Australian 
Read the review here

"... endlessly inventive" –  New Zealand  Herald 
Read the review here

"... a vibrant, funny, and fast-moving show that had the audience laughing and gasping with wonder. " – RNZ Concert
Read and listen to the review here

"... eye-poppingly appealing and a tour-de-force in every respect." – The Opera Critic
Read the review here

"... spellbinding entertainment for an enjoyable and eye-opening night at the opera" –  Keeping Up with New Zealand  
Read the review here 

"... undeniably brilliant, exciting and endlessly fascinating ..." – Bachtrack
Read the review here 

"...  opera re-invented in astonishing visuals, as scene after scene unfolded with a flair that was breath-taking." –  Radio13 
Read the review here 

“Irresistible” The New York Times

Very Visual Show. Click here for details of the performance for Deaf and hard of hearing patrons