Central College returns to the stage with a production of the opera “Hansel and Gretel” on Valentine’s Day weekend.
The special adaptation has been shortened to make it more suitable and accessible to younger audiences. Performances will take place at 7 pm on Thursday, February 13th, Friday, February 14th, and Saturday, Feb. 15; and at 2 pm on Sunday, February 16th, in Douwstra Auditorium. “Hansel and Gretel” tells the classic tale of a brother and sister who wander into the woods, only to find themselves in the clutches of a witch who likes to turn children into gingerbread. This version of the production explores hunger as a central theme, beginning with Hansel and Gretel lamenting their lack of food, while their mother’s frustration stems from her own hunger. The Witch, in turn, symbolizes gluttony, and these elements highlight the timeless, universal issue of hunger to foster a deeper connection between the audience and the characters. Central last staged “Hansel and Gretel” in the 1980s, and photographs from that production will be displayed in the Douwstra Auditorium lobby during the performances.