Journey to the Moon at OPAL: Great Adventure Opera Meets Satirical Stage Art
Date and Time
Location
About this Event
Mood
Venue Type
Journey to the Moon: An Adventure Opera between Hubris and Stardust
When the war is over, the next big gamble begins for the Gun Club: The moon becomes the target of a gigantic shot. With Journey to the Moon, the National Theater Mannheim presents a visually stunning world premiere that combines Jules Verne's space fantasy with musical satire and a sharp perspective on human belief in progress.
A Gun Club Sets Course for the Sky
In Baltimore, a group of battle-hungry war veterans gathers. Their weapons are at rest, but their ambitions are not. Out of boredom arises a crazy plan: A projectile is to be catapulted to the moon using a gigantic cannon. As newspapers spread the bold design, experts debate its technical feasibility, and the launch pad is built in Florida, the moon becomes a projection surface for human fantasies of omnipotence.
Jules Verne as a Satirical Mirror
The opera draws motifs from Jules Verne's novels From the Earth to the Moon and Around the Moon. Alexander R. Schweiß and Jan Dvořák condense adventure literature into an independent music theater that intertwines spectacle and social criticism. The dramaturgy follows the dream of technical triumph while simultaneously revealing its absurd and dangerous side.
Opulent Sounds and a Direction Full of Imagination
Musically, the world premiere moves between operetta, modern opera, musical, and jazz. Leading motifs and recitative passages give the music a narrative pull, while lively sound colors reflect the feverish energy of the Gun Club. Nigel Lowery's staging relies on quirky characters, powerful images, and a playful approach that transforms the stage into a laboratory of imagination.
A Stage Experience for Young and Old
The theater atmosphere of the OPAL combines musical force with humorous exaggeration. Set design, costumes, lighting, and acoustics create a world where scientific hubris, adventurous spirit, and the quiet perspective of the moon converge. The result is an adventure opera with societal resonance and sensual stage art.
On Friday, October 23, 2026, the performance begins at 7:00 PM. A short introduction will take place at 6:15 PM. The National Theater Mannheim describes the production as wild, fast-paced, and genre-crossing; published press reviews highlight the musical inventiveness and the image-rich implementation.
Conclusion: A Giant Leap for Stage Imagination
Journey to the Moon promises a stage experience between adventure opera, musical satire, and clever progress criticism. Those who love Jules Verne, contemporary music theater, and opulent productions will embark on a journey at OPAL that extends far beyond the moon. Secure your tickets and experience how a cannon becomes a resonant theater universe.
Official Channels of the National Theater Mannheim:
- Instagram: no official profile found
- Facebook: no official profile found
- YouTube: no official profile found
- Website: https://www.nationaltheater-mannheim.de/
