Acclaimed Visual Artist William Kentridge
Directs a New Production of Berg’s Lulu,
With Marlis Petersen as the Irresistible Title Character
Lothar Koenigs conducts a cast that also includes Susan Graham in her first-ever performances of Countess Geschwitz
Daniel Brenna, Johan Reuter, Paul Groves, and Franz Grundheber are among the many men who fall victim to Lulu’s deadly charm
New York, NY (October 28, 2015) – William Kentridge, who made his Met debut in 2010 with an innovative staging of Shostakovich’s The Nose, returns to the company with a new production of Lulu, Alban Berg’s tragedy of a sexually irresistible woman who destroys the lives of everyone around her. Marlis Petersen, who has sung the role to great acclaim around the world, stars as the femme fatale. Susan Graham, who has sung over 20 different roles at the Met, adds a new role to her company repertory as the Countess Geschwitz, one of Lulu’s most devoted admirers. Lulu’s many victims include American tenor Daniel Brenna in his Met debut as Alwa; Paul Groves as the Painter and African Prince; Johan Reuter as Dr. Schön; and Franz Grundheber as Schigolch. Welsh National Opera music director Lothar Koenigs leads the first five performances of the opera, with later performances conducted by Derrick Inouye.
Kentridge’s staging reunites the production team of The Nose, including co-director Luc De Wit, projection designer Catherine Meyburgh, scenic designer Sabine Theunissen, costume designer Greta Goiris, and lighting desiger Urs Schönebaum.
The November 21 matinee will be transmitted worldwide as part of the tenth season of the Met’s Live in HD series, which now reaches more than 2,000 movie theaters in 70 countries around the world.
Further information, including biographies of principal artists, is available in our online press room here.
Performances: November 5, 9, 14eve, 17, 21mat, 24, 28eve; December 3. Curtain times vary: complete schedule here. Running time: 4 hours, 14 minutes, including two intermission.
Tickets begin at $25; for prices, more information, or to place an order, please call (212) 362-6000 or visit www.metopera.org. Special rates for groups of 10 or more are available by calling (212) 341-5410 or visiting www.metopera.org/groups.
Same-day $25 rush tickets for all performances of Lulu are available on a first-come, first-served basis on the Met’s Web site. Tickets will go on sale for performances Monday-Friday at noon, matinees four hours before curtain, and Saturday evenings at 2pm. To enter, click here.
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