The first production of the Music Theatre Direction programme in the winter semester 25/26 is Gaetano Donizetti's opera buffa Don Pasquale, directed by Etelka Polgár.
The premiere will take place on 22 October 2025 at 7 p.m. at the Schönbrunn Palace Theatre.
Another performance will take place on 23 October 2025 at the same time.
Admission is free – no advance booking required!
Cast
Adaptation and direction: Etelka Polgár (Diploma)
Musical direction: Daniel Linton-France
Dramaturgy: Birgit Meyer
Performed by the Beethoven Philharmonic Orchestra.
About the production
Etelka Polgár's concept explores the secretive world of the wealthy businessman Don Pasquale, who owns a private arcade salon where drag balls and community games are held. Supported by his best friend Malatesta, his nephew Ernesto, and Ernesto's tech-savvy girlfriend Norina, Don Pasquale has formed a chosen family.
The production combines the bel canto music of Don Pasquale with elements of drag ballroom culture, such as voguing, street dance, and walking, to highlight the elegance, authenticity, and technicality of opera. Drag performers act on and off stage, and the audience is involved through interactive arcade elements.
The production is an artistic statement against the worldwide oppression of queer people, portraying Don Pasquale as a lonely and conflicted member of this community.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)-07.8.2025