Brundibár facts for kids

Brundibár is a special children's opera created by Hans Krása, a Jewish Czech composer. The story was written by Adolf Hoffmeister. This opera became very famous because children performed it many times in Theresienstadt concentration camp (Terezín) in occupied Czechoslovakia during World War II. The name "Brundibár" comes from a Czech word that means "bumblebee".

What is Brundibár About?

The story of Brundibár is like a fairytale, similar to "Hansel and Gretel". It is about a sister named Aninka (Annette) and her brother Pepíček (Little Joe). They do not have a father. Their mother is very sick, and the doctor says she needs milk to get better.

Aninka and Pepíček have no money. So, they decide to sing in the marketplace to earn enough money for the milk. But an unkind organ grinder named Brundibár chases them away. Brundibár is often seen as representing a bad leader, like Adolf Hitler.

Luckily, the children get help from some brave animals: a fearless sparrow, a smart cat, and a wise dog. With their help, and the help of other children from the town, they manage to chase Brundibár away. Then, Aninka and Pepíček can finally sing in the market square and help their mother.

What Does Brundibár Mean?

The opera has a clear message. It shows how helpless children can win against a mean and powerful person like Brundibár. Even though the opera does not directly talk about the difficult times when it was written, the audience understood its meaning.

The story was written before Adolf Hitler invaded Czechoslovakia. However, one important line was changed by a poet named Emil Saudek while he was in Terezín. This change made the anti-Nazi message even stronger.

The original line said, "He who loves so much his mother and father and his native land is our friend and he can play with us." But Saudek's changed version said: "He who loves justice and will abide by it, and who is not afraid, is our friend and can play with us." This new line showed the importance of courage and fairness.

Brundibár in the UK

In 1992, Mecklenburgh Opera brought Brundibár to the United Kingdom. John Abulafia, the company's artistic director, created an English version of the opera. It was performed at London's Queen Elizabeth Hall.

This performance was shown with another opera from Terezín, The Emperor of Atlantis. The New London Children's Choir sang in Brundibár. The BBC filmed this production, and it was shown on VE Day in 1995. The opera was performed again in 1995 and 1996. In 2002, the Halle Orchestra performed it as part of the opening of the Imperial War Museum North.

The Tony Kushner Version

In 2003, the opera was made into a children's picture book. Tony Kushner wrote the book, and Maurice Sendak drew the pictures. Sendak made the character of Brundibár look like Adolf Hitler by giving him a small moustache. This helped show the opera's deeper meaning.

The New York Times Book Review named this book one of the 10 Best Illustrated Books of 2003.

In 2003, the opera was performed at Chicago Opera Theater. Maurice Sendak directed and designed the show, using Tony Kushner's story.

In 2005, the book became a full stage production of the opera. Tony Kushner adapted the story from the original. Sendak and Kris Stone designed the sets, and Robin I. Shane designed the costumes.

The opera first opened at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre. It was performed with another short Czech opera called Comedy on the Bridge. Later, it moved to the New Victory Theater in New York. There, Comedy on the Bridge was replaced with a new play by Tony Kushner called But the Giraffe. This play was about a girl who had to choose between her stuffed giraffe and her uncle's Brundibár music score. It was shown before Brundibár.

In 2006, Brundibár was also performed by the Yale Repertory Theatre in New Haven, CT.

Images for kids

• 

  Poster for a performance of Brundibár, Theresienstadt, 1944.

See also

In Spanish: Brundibár para niños