Die Rose von Stambul

Leo Fall's operetta was a huge success right from its premiere in 1916. The character of Achmed Bey, who has a second identity as André Léry, combines tradition and progressive thinking, while the Muslim protagonist Kondja Gül transforms herself from a puppet oppressed by forced marriage into a modern type of woman. Such exoticism must have been balm for the souls of a war-weary public – the fact that morality and romanticism are, for once, not mutually exclusive certainly adds to the fascination. In the lead role: Fritzi Massary, a Vienna-born operetta diva who enjoyed success in Berlin in the 1920s with her expressive performances, charismatic stage presence and dramatic flair, before being driven out of the country by the Nazis.
(Florian Widegger)

Digital restoration by Filmarchiv Austria 2025

With an introduction by Florian Wrobel
Live music: Florian C. Reithner