Werther

In 1774, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe wrote the classic *The Sorrows of Young Werther*. Young Werther loves Charlotte because he sees her as his soulmate. But Charlotte is already engaged to Albert. For this reason, she cannot and will not be with Werther. Like a child, Werther has set his mind on making his wish come true anyway. Charlotte is drawn to his penchant for extremes, but flees out of fear of the consequences. When his plan fails, Werther takes his own life out of despair. In 1892, composer Jules Massenet adapted Goethe’s *Werther* into a grand opera. Through stirring music, this opera depicts the state of emotional turmoil in which Werther and Charlotte find themselves. In their production of *Werther*, director Felix Rothenhäusler and his team bring the singers very close to the audience. Like in an arena, Werther and Charlotte circle each other on stage. This makes the interplay between them seem like a chase. Only when Werther is already very close to death does Charlotte admit her love.