The Rebirth of Satire in Revivals of European Operettas

Lisa Feurzeig (Grand Valley State University)

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English

Cambridge University Press
19 June 2025

Theatre direction & production; Opera; Musicals; Musical scores, lyrics & libretti

Series: Elements in Musical Theatre

Since 1997, revivals have moved operetta away from the nostalgic performance style of the mid twentieth century, returning to its original satirical spirit grounded in ironic mockery of political and social norms and institutions. This Element compares productions of Offenbach's Belle Hélène and Kálmán's Herzogin von Chicago, considering their choices with regard to plot, text, performance style, music, and costumes and sets. In every case, there is some reinterpretation involved. Satire of times, places, and current politics can be found. Some versions tweak the original while others expand and alter it in a full Regietheater approach, often influenced by a postmodern aesthetic. Directors and performers perceive an opportunity to recreate the central experience of operetta – but is that defined as the original text, Dionysian pleasure, or absurdist theater? The genre lives on mostly through creative approaches to revival.

By: Lisa Feurzeig (Grand Valley State University)
Imprint: Cambridge University Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
ISBN: 9781009373364
ISBN 10: 1009373366
Series: Elements in Musical Theatre
Pages: 66
Publication Date: 19 June 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

1. Operetta's changing role and reputation; 2. Revivals of Offenbach's La Belle Hélène between 1994 and 2014; 3. Revivals of Kálmán's Die Herzogin von Chicago in 2004 and 2016; 4. Operetta revivals and the rebirth of satire; References.