A fiery angel returns to Bremen – opera with shocking moments!

A fiery angel returns to Bremen – opera with shocking moments!

The excitement in the Bremen Theater at Goetheplatz is palpable, as the opera “The Fiery Angel” by Sergei Prokofiev celebrated its brilliant return after more than 30 years. This production, which was last performed in 1994, shines with a fresh interpretation: Nadine Lehner embodies the suffering Renata, while Elias Gyungseok Han takes on the role of Ruprecht. The musical direction lies in the capable hands of Stefan Klingele, who conducts the Bremen Philharmonic Orchestra and thus ensures an impressive sound. The premiere took place on October 26, 2025, followed by a well-attended performance on October 29, 2025.

What makes “The Fiery Angel” so special? The action takes place in Cologne and the surrounding area in 1534, where mental illness and traumatic experiences shape the characters. In her production, director Barbora Horáková addresses the inner demons of the protagonist Renata, who is tormented not only by delusions but also by epileptic seizures. Her companion Ruprecht also struggles with psychological challenges and offers her no real support. The stage design, designed by Ines Nadler, shows an impressive steel structure with the neon sign “Hotel”, which is reminiscent of the dark aesthetics of David Lynch or Alfred Hitchcock.

A look at the characters

Renata's characterization is inspired by the tragic story of Anneliese Michels, who died in 1976 after exorcism rituals. The actress Nadine Lehner is appreciated for her gripping performance as Renata. Elias Gyungseok Han is also convincing as Ruprecht, while the choir under the direction of Karl Bernewitz reinforces the emotional depth of the performance. Particularly noteworthy is Jasin Rammal-Rykala, whose performance as the inquisitor further enriches the piece. The ensemble, including Nathalie Mittelbach, Ulrike Mayer, Fabian Düberg and Wolfgang von Borries, contributes significantly to the strong ensemble performance.

Tragic themes and powerful music

In this production, the makers dare to tackle sensitive topics such as child abuse, rape and even a bloody abortion scene. These dark elements are cleverly staged to illuminate Renata's complex mental states. Prokofiev's music is the heartbeat of the performance and is impressively interpreted by the Bremen Philharmonic, which underlines the drama of the plot. The next performances will take place on November 8th and 21st and December 18th, 2025.

In this remarkable return of the opera “The Fiery Angel” a story is told that captivates, touches and provokes thought. With this production, the Bremen Theater has once again proven that it has the right feel for profound and gripping art. Visitors can look forward to further performances in the new year, and audiences will certainly be able to immerse themselves in the fascinating but challenging world of Prokofiev's masterpiece in the future.