Synopsis

Based on Georg Kaiser's play. A troupe of traveling English actors in Shakespeare's time rehearses a comic pantomime. Their leader, the Protagonist, meets with his sister, who fearfully informs him that she has taken a lover. To her surprise, he is not offended; she says she will bring her lover to meet him. Then word comes that a bishop will be among the spectators, thus a comedy will be inappropriate. The Protagonist directs his troupe to rehearse the same pantomime but with a tragic twist; he will play a deceived husband. As they rehearse, his sister returns with her lover. The Protagonist is so caught up in the play that he stabs her to death, then requests that he not be arrested until after the performance, because he is playing his best role.
 

Performance Information

English title: The Protagonist
Cast: The Protagonist (dramatic tenor), Catherine, his sister (soprano), The Young Lord (baritone), Major-domo (tenor), Innkeeper (bass), 3 actors (alto, baritone, bass), eight musicians of the duke
Orchestra: 2 ob, 2 bass cl; 3 hn, 3 tbn; timp, perc; strings; stage orchestra - 2 fl, 2 cl, 2 bn, 2 tpt.
Duration: 75 minutes
Authorized Translations:
English -- Lionel Salter; John Eaton
Italian -- Marcello Cortis
 

Principal productions

• March, 1926, Dresden Staatsoper, Josef Gielen, dir., Fritz Busch, cond.
• October, 1928, Berlin, Städtische Oper, Walter Brügmann, dir., Robert Denzler cond. (with Der Zar lässt sich photographieren)
• April 1958, Düsseldorf, Deutsche Oper am Rhein, Friedrich Wilhelm Andreas dir., Friedrich Brenn, cond.
• July 31, 1993, Santa Fe Opera, Jonathan Eaton dir., George Manahan cond. (in English, with Der Zar lässt sich photographieren)

 

Capriccio 60 086

Robert Wörle, Amanda Halgrimson,  Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, John Mauceri, cond.