Der Barbier von Sevilla

Figaro is not just the best barber in the city – he is also the playmaker, spinner of intrigues and jack of all trades. With just enough chaos and plenty of masquerading, he manages to free Rosina from the grip of her guardian Bartolo and pair her up with the handsome Duke Almaviva. Based on the second part of Beaumarchais’ Figaro trilogy, Gioachino Rossini composed a musical spectacle of boundless ingenuity in the space of just two weeks.

This shortened version comes courtesy of the Theater Basel, and director and puppeteer Nikolaus Habjan. For once, however, it is not just the singers who are in the spotlight, but also Habjan’s unmistakeable puppets. For this performance, the singers have learned the art of puppetry, coexisting and competing in virtuoso style with their unaccustomed stage partners. And at some point you will ask yourself the question: who is controlling whom?

It is not just the puppets who make this version so special, however. The OperAvenir opera studio is celebrating its 15th anniversary with this production and has brought in a student orchestra from the Basel Music Academy to accompany the singers.