6. Mozart Junior Festival

Theatre of the Warsaw Chamber Opera

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

The True Story of The Magic Flute

Premiere May 29, 2025

The Warsaw children’s version, prepared as part of the 6th Mozart Junior Festival, is titled The True Story of The Magic Flute – an important detail, as the performance presents not only the well-known fairytale elements, but also highlights universal values accessible to every viewer, regardless of age or musical background. The dialogues were simplified to suit younger audiences, but never became childish. Instead, humorous moments were included that entertained not only children. Though the story was shortened, its structure gained exceptional clarity. Each character – from Prince Tamino to Papageno and Sarastro – takes turns as narrator, guiding the audience through the plot. This approach helps children, as well as adults, understand not only what happens, but also the characters’ perspectives, motivations, and dilemmas. The format is engaging, builds tension, and introduces young viewers to the world of opera and theatre in an accessible way. Light-hearted, intelligent humor makes this a joy to watch. And the message – simple yet never banal – is that it’s worth being good, because goodness, even when tested, ultimately triumphs.

One standout was Magdalena Łaszcz as Pamina – both in acting and vocals. Her ethereal yet grounded piano in the aria “Ach, ich fühl’s” (especially in the g–b” third) was genuinely moving. She was matched in quality by Ernest Tymczyszyn (Tamino) and Mateusz Kulczyński (Papageno) – this trio delivered an impressively balanced and convincing performance.