Reviews are out for Rusalka at the Staatstheater Wiesbaden, starring Katrin Wundsam in the double role of Ježibaba and The Foreign Princess:

“… demonic contours can also be experienced by the characterfully triumphant mezzo-soprano Katrin Wundsam in the double role of the witch and princess”

Axel Zibulski, FAZ

“… the convincing mezzo-soprano Katrin Wundsam…”

Judith von Sternburg, Frankfurter Rundschau

“… the versatile mezzo-soprano Katrin Wundsam…”

Volker Milch, Wiesbadener Kurier

“A courageous “stroke of genius” by director and performer is the merging of the roles of Ježibaba and the Foreign Princess. Katrin Wundsam takes the risk of singing both roles, expanding her vocal range from mezzo-soprano to soprano. Her stimulating low register, in addition to the necessary vocal range for both roles, enables her to act devilishly, powerfully glowing as a witch. As a foreign princess, she is also the personification of human doubt, of a decadent, glamorous civilization, i.e. a direct antagonist to Rusalka. Contrary to his coldness, she tries to seduce the prince with hot embers, but ultimately fails to do so. Through this idea of the stage director, she can directly experience the failure of Rusalka, civilization and nature, pursuing her evil plan… Wundsam inspires with effortlessly achieved top notes, with moving intensity, with diabolical and erotic charisma.”

Ingrid Freiberg, IOCO

[Photo: Karl&Monika Forster]