Based on a Nobel Prize winner’s breakthrough novel
If anyone has a destiny, it is a man;
If someone is struck by fate, she is a woman.
Brigitte wants to be happy; Paula wants to be happy. Paula wants to be a seamstress; Brigitte already is one. She wants Heinz. Paula wants Erich. Both want children and financial stability. They use their wits, their charm, and their bodies to win the men’s favor. But all bodies age.
In this new opera by Jenny Wilson, based on Elfriede Jelinek’s breakthrough novel from 1975, a painful question is brought to a head: How can women find happiness in a world where their success depends on men and the money they earn?
The team behind the opera draws on Jelinek’s ice-cold perspective on patriarchy and capitalism, but also on her absurd humor.
Fans of Jenny Wilson will recognize her distinctive sound in the music, which is premiered here by the Norrlandsoperan Symphony Orchestra and eight versatile vocal soloists, under the musical direction of Norrlandsoperan’s new chief conductor, Eduardo Strausser. The production is directed by Franciska Éry, a London-based theater and opera director.
Just in time for the Norrlandsoperan’s 50th anniversary, they are setting out to bring this moving story to life using all the tools of opera.
Photo: Elin Berge
Reviews
“Jenny Wilson’s meeting with Jelinek is a hit” – Aftonbladet
“Jenny Wilson’s tonal language and Elfriede Jelinek’s unvarnished rawness are delivered with an infectious urgency by singer and orchestra.” – Svenska Dagbladet
“Norrlandsoperan’s production speaks to both intellect and feeling.” – Västerbottens-Kuriren
“The Mistresses have an important message. Thank you Norrlandsoperan for the opera version!” – Folkbladet
“You get both excited and uncomfortable at the same time by this bold and obviously collectively produced opera venture.” – Dagens Nyheter
Concept art: AI-generated/Midjourney
Artistic Team & Cast
Composer
Jenny Wilson
Libretto
Erik Norberg, based on Elfriede Jelinek’s novel, translated by Aimée Delblanc
Orchestration
Johan Siberg
Conductor
Eduardo Strausser
Director
Franciska Éry
Set Designer & Costume Designer
Basia Bińkowska
Lighting designer
Mathieu Cabanes
Mask Designer
Emma Eastop
Intimacy Coordinator
Nilla Hansson
Opera singer
Paula: Alexandra Büchel
Brigitte: Linnea Andreassen
Heinz / Wolfgang: Hrólfur Sæmundsson
Erich: Per Lindström
Susi: Natalie Hernborg
Dad / Paula’s Dad: Markus Schwartz
Mom: Susanna Levonen
Paulamorsan / Heinzsystern: Charlotte Hellekant
Musician
The Norrlands Opera Symphony Orchestra
©Rowohlt Theater Verlag
New Restaurant Owner
Catering in the spring of 2025
In the spring, Norrlandsoperan will once again have a restaurant in the building. Right now, a procurement process is underway for a new restaurateur who will also be in charge of the intermission service at our concerts and performances. We are really looking forward to being able to present who will be our new restaurateur at Norrlandsoperan.
Refreshments in connection with the performance
From March onwards, we will be assisted by Novas with catering in connection with performances and concerts. You can hereby buy coffee and other goodies one hour before the start and during the intermission. The menu includes various drinks, homemade pastries and homemade pies, sandwiches and sandwich cake (the selection may vary). While waiting for a serving license, non-alcoholic beverages are served.
Pre-order intermission refreshments
From April, you can also pre-order your intermission refreshments to avoid queues and secure a reserved table where your order is served. More information will be available to those who have bought tickets for events in April and onwards.
Norrlandsoperan has been searching for a new restaurant operator for some time, and we look forward to introducing our new restaurant operator later this spring. The restaurant will open in early summer, offering food, drinks, and a great atmosphere. The opera house will once again become a vibrant and welcoming place.
A warm welcome!
