Brundibar
by Tony Kushner

Why You Will Like Brundibar

Brundibar might be an allegory about World War II. The banding of children together to defeat the evil Brundibar strikes a chord. When one knows the history of this opera performed by children in Terezin concentration camp, the allegory thought becomes even more plausible. What you will enjoy the most are the clever words and the illustrations by Sendak. This is a classic tale of good winning over evil.

Synopsis

When Pepicek and Anniku's mother becomes ill and needs fresh milk, the children are sent to town to find some. Unfortunately they have no money and mean Brundibar, with his street monkey, has a literal corner on obtaining money from the townsfolk. The children are about to give up hope when some talking animals help to rally other children to their cause. The large contingent of children singing favorite lullabies overpowers Brundibar's voice. The children collect enough money to purchase the needed milk. All ends happily though Brundibar warns that though he is defeated momentarily, beware, he will return.

Description

Brundibar is based on a Czech Opera of the same name. Brundibar is Czech slang for "bumblebee". With a libretto by Adolf Hoffmeister, set to music by Hans Krasa. Completed in 1938, the opera was performed fifty-five times by the children of Terezin, the Nazi concentration camp. Krasa, who was Jewish, was also imprisoned in Terezin. He was killed in Auschwitz in 1944.

For more information about Terezin visit this informational website.