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Monster's Paradise: A Bold Critique of Populist Leadership

2/4/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Olga Neuwirth’s Monster’s Paradise features baritone Georg Nigl as the King-President and examines strongman leadership.
Director Tobias Kratzer aims to depict the absurdity and danger of populist rulers without focusing on a single figure.
The libretto by Nobel laureate Elfriede Jelinek critiques the banality and brutality of modern times.
The work premieres at Hamburg State Opera on Sunday and moves to Zurich Opera House on March 8.

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Story summary

Olga Neuwirth’s Monster’s Paradise features baritone Georg Nigl as the King-President and examines strongman leadership.
Director Tobias Kratzer aims to depict the absurdity and danger of populist rulers without focusing on a single figure.
The libretto by Nobel laureate Elfriede Jelinek critiques the banality and brutality of modern times.
The work premieres at Hamburg State Opera on Sunday and moves to Zurich Opera House on March 8.