Werther at Opera på Österbybruk
July 2025
I think the story about Werther is so timeless is because it explores an inescapable part of what being a human is all about. The struggle and reconciliation with ones psyche. There is no tangible antagonist in Werther, no God, evil king, devil etc. - only humans. Werthers dilemma could be summarised as: I wish to make the one I love happy. But if it’s not with me, is it then in a world without me?
The opera also tuches apon the importance of the social network. We see that Charlotte has a close family and friends that she can lean on. Whereas Werther is, for the most part, on his own.
It is a utterly beautiful opera that you could stage in whatever time and place and would still feel current and impactful.
Music: Jules Massenet
Libretto: Edouard Blau, Paul Milliet, Georges Hartmann
Swedish translation: Niklas Tamm
Cast
Werther: Clifford Lewis
Charlotte: Susanna Reuter
Albert: Mikael Horned
Sophie: Sandra Bendrik
Le Bailli: Marcus Bartoletti
Schmidt: Joseph Mossop
Johann: Johan Kullander
Children: Daniel Koydan Tyapkin, Emilia Koydan Tyapkina,
Leo Juhlin, Nora Juhlin
Orchestra
Violin 1: Sofia Kolupov
Violin 2: Agata Kawa-Cajler
Viola: Gloria Foresti
Cello: Peter Volpert
Contrabass: Jesper Julin
Harp: Miriam Seltzer
Percussion: Alexander Raknes Ulriksen
Flute: Tove Edqvist
Oboe: Hanna Edqvist
Clarinett: Sara Cazzanelli
Bassoon: Gillian Horn
French horn 1: Laura de Oliveira
French horn 2: Emma Wahlström
Production
Director: Jennifer Macpherson
Conductor: Niklas Tamm
Assistant conductor: Sebastian Heurlin Fernold
Repetitieur: Julia Koydan
Costume design: Gabriella Wetter-Burman
Assistant costume design: Elisabet Sturesson Witt
Light design: Jimmy Svensson
Assistant light design: Adina Forsberg
Set design: Jennifer Macpherson, Niklas Tamm
Production assistant: Joel Heurlin Fernold
Photo: Marcus Bartoletti, Jimmy Svensson
