A war with a neighbouring state as a diversionary tactic by an egocentric, perpetually infatuated Grand Duchess? Not a good idea! Quite apart from the fact that war can never be a solution, in the case of the Grand Duchess of Gerolstein, it even leads her to arbitrarily promote or have people killed. The current object of her desire: the soldier Fritz, whom she promptly appoints as a general. He, however, only wishes to marry his Wanda. Also unhappy with the situation are the real General Bumm, who is pursuing Wanda, and Prince Paul, who seeks to win the Grand Duchess’s heart. When Fritz asks the Grand Duchess for her blessing to marry Wanda, murderous impulses arise in her – impulses in which General Bumm and Prince Paul are only too eager to participate.

What at first glance may appear to be dangerous glorification of war and trivialisation of the abuse of power and misconduct reveals itself, on closer inspection, in Jacques Offenbach’s characteristically clever manner, as a witty satire with sparkling melodies. It was celebrated as such at its premiere in Paris in 1867, and as such, it is worth staging today, precisely because of its relevance as a counterpoint to war and fascist tendencies. Never again is still now!