Brundibár - the Children’s Opera. A review
Thelma Mort reports from the children’s opera Brundibar, currently showing at the Artscape.
The Brundibar Project has put on the performance of the children’s opera (composed by Hans Krasa and written by Adolf Hoffmeister). This was first performed in 1943 in the ghetto of Terezin. This is the first time it has been performed in Africa, and has a largely all- (Capetonian) -child cast. It was intended for the entertainment of the children in the ghetto, and it will always entertain children: it has a simple story, lively with animals, worried children, and a villain; a deliciously Eastern European strings-driven score; and is relatively short so as not to become a prison for a young child watching it. To see and hear so many children on the stage is very refreshing, and presents an extra draw-card for parents hoping to engage their children in acting and singing, particularly.
The performance is accompanied by two exhibitions, one archived from two suitcases found in Terezin camp, containing drawings and writings by the children, most of whom did not survive. This exhibition is an absolute treat, with tremendously varied works from papercuts and frottage to watercolour and graphic media. The children in Terezin were blessed in having an art teacher who had studied at the Bauhaus.
Alongside this exhibition is another very full and varied one from the excellent Frank Joubert Art Centre, where children working on similar themes such as Nightmares and Dreams, complement the work from Terezin. There is something very heartening to see the enthusiastic response of contemporary children’s art work from Cape Town in conjunction with the Terezin works, as though these child artists were meeting each other across history.
The Brundibar performance is followed by one from the Magnet Theatre entitled The Children and the Bees, which echoes the theme of the Terezin children who ‘disappeared’ and brings this home with other examples. This is a lively, and rousing performance, with much unexpected humour. It received a standing ovation from the audience and although it follows the Brundibar opera it is by no means a poor relative, but is indeed a very worthy and inventive piece.
The Brundibar project has provided us with a cultural feast from exhibitions to theatre, and it wonderfully celebrates the importance of children and family, and the vital role culture plays in our lives. This is a must-see.
Brundibar is on at the Artscape 18-21 July at 7pm. R45 for adults, R20 for scholars.
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