an opera for the whole family, lyrical adaptation of the work of Tomi Ungerer

At the end of 2024, the Opéra du Rhin in Strasbourg is offering “The Three Brigands”, a lyrical adaptation of Tomi Ungerer's classic tale aimed at young audiences. A show to discover on stage but also already on our France.tv platform.

The Three Robbersan album initially published in 1961 by Tomi Ungerer, are the subject of a delightful creation by the Opéra du Rhin, to be discovered here on france.tv. The author, an emblematic figure of Alsace, whose graphic and literary universe has left its mark on generations of readers, needs no introduction.

The history of Three Robbers follows three feared thieves who, during one of their captures, meet Tiffany, a young orphan full of mischief. This luminous character transforms their dark daily lives and leads them to use their amassed fortune for a noble cause. The opera stages this redemption with poetry and humor, revealing universal themes such as generosity, sharing and solidarity.

Tomi Ungerer's illustrated book has been delighting children and parents since 1961. Adapting this work into an opera in nine scenes represents a real challenge. The original plot, quite minimalist and without dialogue, required rewriting by librettist Gilles Rico. Scenes have been added. Episodes about the heroine's parents before their death, an aunt coming to pick her up, a quarrel between the bandits, a stolen baby scene. Finally, a narrator was added, who connects these new elements with tenderness and a touch of Alsatian impertinence.

The narration, carried by Cathy Bernecker, ensures great fidelity to the spirit of the illustrator. In a rhythmic hour, the work alternates theater, arias and duets, all carried by the original music of Didier Puntos. Renowned composer and pianist, notably for his adaptations such as The Child and the spells by Ravel, Puntos here offers contemporary writing reminiscent of the improvisations of silent films. Dominated by two pianos, enriched with clarinet and percussion, his music captures the dreams, nightmares and emotions of the characters.

On stage, the young artists from the Opéra Studio (the training school of the Opéra du Rhin) shine. Camille Bauer, a mezzo-soprano with a warm tone, and Ana Escudero, a Uruguayan soprano with a fresh and lively voice, play characters with finesse and intensity. The three bandits – Massimo Frigato, Carlos Reynoso and Michal Karski – bring humor and character to their roles.

The staging, signed by Jean-Philippe Guilois and Gilles Rico, is inspired by the graphic universe of Tomi Ungerer. The sets imagined by Philippine Ordinaire represent the dark and dreamlike landscapes of the tale, while the costumes created by Violaine Thel reflect the emblematic silhouette of the brigands and the vivacity of Tiffany. The light effects accompany the atmosphere of this production, transporting spectators into a universe where shadows and light interact.

After its premiere in Colmar on November 13, the Trois Brigands will travel across the Grand Est until the end of January for fifteen performances. In addition to Colmar, Mulhouse, Strasbourg, Vogelgrun, Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines and Saint-Dizier, they will still be on show in Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines on January 11 and Bischheim on January 24, 2025. Reservations here. A real musical celebration for young and old.