The Magic Kingdom

Ernst Křenek described this work as a »fairy tale which glorifies the simple life, the surrender to nature, the joy of small things and the renunciation of ambition, fame and glory«. In this miniature one-act opera, composed in the years 1926-1927, we find a king who fights against rebels in his kingdom while plagued by self-doubts, a queen who is fascinated by the attractive rebel leader held prisoner, and the court fool who exchanges his clothes for thecrown and vestments of his monarch. After much general confusion and mix-ups, the royal couple and the fool flee the palace to seek out the magic forest. There, surrounded by the beauties of nature, the king finally finds solace and inner peace. Here, he recognises his true secret kingdom.

Fairy tale drama in one act by Ernst Křenek.
In German language
Semper 2

Running time 50 minutes

Premiere 20 Oct 2012

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