Work of the Week - Benjamin Schweitzer: Jakob von Gunten

On Thursday 15 April 2010, a new production of Benjamin Schweitzer’s chamber opera Jakob von Gunten will open at the Theater St. Gallen in Switzerland. Christian Schumann will conduct the new production created by Johannes Schmid with James Cleverton singing the leading role alongside Terhi Kaarina Lampi and Arthur Espirit amongst others.

Premiered in 2000, Schweitzer wrote the libretto for Jakob von Gunten using Robert Walser novel of the same name as source material. Closely following Walser’s text, the story is told from the point of view of Jakob von Gunten in the form of his diary.

Jakob, a boy of unknown origin, arrives at the Benjamenta Institute, a school for servants run by Mr Benjamenta and his sister Lisa, where a tale of mistrust, rebellion, alienation and love unravels. Mixed into the psychological story, rivalry develops between brother and sister with both trying to win Jakob’s affection. A death at the school follows and the whole institution falls apart leaving Jakob to be confronted with questions of his own existence.

Six performances in total of Jakob von Gunten will be presented at the Theater St. Gallen between 17th April and 5th May.

• Benjamin Schweitzer - Profile
  
• Theater St. Gallen