Calgary Opera’s ‘Hansel and Gretel’ leans into strangeness of childhood

Hansel and Gretel is a classic story, but the version coming to Calgary Opera is anything but familiar.

Stage Director Brenna Corner says audiences might think they know Hansel and Gretel, but this production plays with expectations.

“It’s a piece that we all sort of think we know… we sort of think of breadcrumbs and children and some different form of a cannibalistic witch,” she says. “But the interesting thing about the opera is that’s not totally what’s actually written.”

Corner says this staging leans into the magic of the forest and the strangeness of childhood. She says the Old Trout Puppet Workshop was the key to unlocking that world.

“I really wanted to make sure that we figured out a way to evoke imagination. And that’s where puppets came from,” she said.

The Trouts have created a full “living storybook,” layering in oversized props, magical creatures, and puppets that shift the scale of the world.

She says a big focus was making the stage feel true to a child’s perspective, even though the kids are sung by adults.

“The world is a little too big for you… chairs don’t totally fit, baskets are too big… it’s not scaled for you,” Corner explains.

In this production, she says the parents even wear seven inch platform boots so they always tower over Hansel and Gretel.

Corner says the opera’s heart makes it accessible for everyone.

“Anywhere from like eight to 88. I think it works for everyone… the story is about the power of love and how when we are in the darkest part of our lives, it’s love that takes care of us,” she says.

Corner adds this version feels special because it depends on audience imagination. “It wants you as an audience member to participate… you’ll hear someone gasp as a puppet comes on stage and their imagination comes to life.”

With the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, the Cantaré Children’s Choir, and a team of celebrated Canadian opera voices, Corner says the magic onstage becomes something you can feel.

Calgary”It comes to life in a way that I truly think is absolutely magical.”

Hansel and Gretel Runs January 31, Feb 1 & 6 tickets here.