Maria Stader

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's "Abduction from the Seraglio" is a famous spectacle that is enigmatic and exotic at the same time - and just because of this it is not only perfect for the fantastic stage sets of the marionette theatre, but for Ustinov's winking presentation as well. Already in 1782 the Vienna audience was enchanted by the lyrical drama by which the new inhabitant Mozart presented himself as master of opera to the audience of the imperial city. On the one hand, "The Abduction of the Seraglio" is a subtle comedy, on the other hand it conveys important humanitarian values: the Europeans captured in an Ottoman palace are not saved by a military attack but by the generosity of the sovereign "Selim Bassa" - actually mortal enemy of the Habsburg monarchy which was at war with Turkey in Mozart's time!

The Queen of the Night has begged Prince Tamino to free her daughter Pamina from the clutches of the High Priest Sarastro, who has abducted her. Together with the bird-catcher Papageno, Tamino enters Sarastro's realm to seek her. When he finds her, the two fall in love, but they have to have to undergo ordeals before they can be together. At the end, Papageno is also rewarded with his Papagena.