Brundibár

Brundibár is a children's opera by Jewish Czech composer Hans Krása with a libretto by Adolf Hoffmeister, made most famous by performances by the children of Theresienstadt concentration camp in occupied Czechoslovakia. The name comes from a Czech colloquialism for a bumblebee. The plot of the opera shares elements with fairytales such as Hansel and Gretel and The Town Musicians of Bremen and details how children overcome an evil organ grinder.
Format: Children's Opera
Cast Size: 8M/2F
Character breakdown:

Children´s choir with 10 mayor roles:
ANINKA
PEPICEK
BRUNDIBÁR
ICEMAN
BAKER
MILKMAN
POLICEMAN
SPARROW
CAT
DOG

Snapshot

Original or Prominent Production:
Premiere performed by the children of Theresienstadt, 1942. New version performed at The New 42nd Street NYC, a co-production by Berkeley Repertory Theater, 2006.
Original Source Material: Originally performed by the children of Theresienstadt 1942.
Nationality of Author: Czechoslovakian
Original Language: Czech
Publisher:

Boosey & Hawkes

Production Rights Holder:

Boosey & Hawkes

Experience(s) Chronicled: Theater During Holocaust

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