Black on white: Mozart's Don Giovanni” with a new stage concept in Hanover

Black on white: Mozart's Don Giovanni” with a new stage concept in Hanover

Mozart’s “Don Giovanni” celebrated an impressive comeback at the Hanover State Opera. Staged by Bastian Kraft, the performance is characterized by an exciting stage concept, which is implemented live by artist Anni von Bergen. Using black paint and video projections, she creates a stage set that embodies the symbolic contrast between white and black - colors that represent mischief and purity. The performance began with an empty stage and singers in white body suits enveloped in thick theater fog. Concerti.de reports that the production is predominantly made up of future members of the Staatsoper ensemble.

The baritone Matteo Guerzè celebrated his role debut as Don Giovanni. He embodies the womanizer and seducer with full vigor and an impressive presence. Serhii Moskalchuk also received special attention in the role of Leporello - his facial expressions and slapstick irony contributed significantly to the lively performance. Also worth mentioning is SeungJick Kim, who shone as Don Ottavio with lyrical accents in his aria. The strong female characters in the production are Olga Jelínková as Donna Anna, Cassandra Doyle as Donna Elvira and Ketevan Chuntishvili as Zerlina.

Musical direction and creative ideas

Mario Hartmuth, the first bandmaster, led the musical fortunes of the performance with controlled and differentiated musical spurts. His interpretation in the overture is daring because it avoids any big romantic arcs. A special directorial idea from Bastian Kraft is the lowered drawing board, which shows the fates that would have been happier without Don Giovanni's work. The final scene, in which Don Giovanni falls into hell, leaves the audience without a final moral, which gives the work a disturbing depth.

The production also offers new musical approaches: Second bandmaster Masaru Kumakura explained that Don Giovanni's performances after the Commendatore's death are accentuated by the use of loudspeakers, microphones and electronic effects. This is all intended to musically underline the character's chaotic nature, particularly in the sextet's first finale. According to NDR, Don Giovanni is portrayed here as a figure who constantly needs new stimulation in order to feel himself.

Outlook for upcoming performances

The impressive production will be performed on several evenings: October 15th, 21st, 25th, 29th and November 1st, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. The Hannover State Opera and the Hannover Theater together form the Hannover State Theater, and new ideas under director Bodo Busse are intended to get even more people excited about the opera.

A curtain for the art of opera: This impressive experience invites you to marvel and enjoy - so don't miss it!