HANSEL AND GRETEL

Abstract

It’s likely most opera-goers have been exposed to this little horror story before, having heard from parents or grandparents about a brother and sister lost in the woods, who then have to dispense with an evil woman who wants to eat them (thanks, Mom and Dad, for the terror). Of course, there are valuable lessons in the siblings’ adventure, so we look past the dark themes toward the tale’s merits. Ultimately, Hänsel and Gretel explores the intersection of light and dark, toggling between the make-believe world of a youthful imagination and the realistic (sometimes sinister) intrusions that could impact a kid’s life.