THE MERRY WIDOW
Artistic director and founder of Unga Klara (since 1975), Suzanne Osten, is to direct on a stage other than Unga Klara for the very first time. In autumn 2008 she will direct the operetta the Merry Widow by Franz Lehár at Folkoperan.
Suzanne Osten has changed and enhanced children’s theatre in Sweden and has also directed newly created adult productions. Osten is professor of theatre directing at the University College of Film, Radio, Television and Theatre in Stockholm and has received numerous awards world wide for her film and theatre work. Osten has also written a number of books and film scripts. Her works include Bröderna Mozart, Jösses flickor! (together with Margareta Garpe), Babydrama and her most recent film Wellkåmm to Verona. In spring 2008 Suzanne Osten is due to direct Marlowe’s Edward II at Unga Klara.
Suzanne Osten has always loved musical theatre and has often used live music in her productions that are often dance flavoured and laced with comical elements. But she has never previously directed an opera. “The operetta is a theatrical musical creation,” says Suzanne Osten. “The Merry Widow libretto is a delicious sexual attack on patriarchy,” she adds. “Body and dance are going to play an important role in this physical communication with the audience with a mix of younger and older singers. It is important to be able to play young to Léhar’s lively music,” adds Suzanne Osten.
The Merry Widow will feature new lyrics and spoken dialogue
