English Theatre Group relives Austrian history

It was all go last weekend in the Dorfmattsaal in Rotkreuz: the English Theatre Group of Zug’s version of The Sound of Music", the world-famous musical by Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein, had its premiere on Friday night before a full audience, with around one hundred performers, a 15-piece orchestra, and lavish sets and costumes.
 
"The Sound of Music" plays in Salzburg in 1938 and tells the story of the singing postulant Maria Rainer, who is dispatched unwillingly from the convent to the Trapp family. As governess, the fun-loving Mary will take care of the seven half-orphans of Captain Trapp. With all her heart and soul, and the magic of music, the young woman captures not only the hearts of the children, but, in the end, even that of the reserved captain. But the musical is not simply an amusing feel-good piece: war is imminent in Europe, and the annexation of Austria seems decided. When the patriotic Captain Trapp is appointed by the Nazis to be a naval commander in Bremerhaven, the family barely has time to say goodbye. The Kaltzberger Festival, where the children want to perform as a choir against the will of her father, turns out to be the last chance to escape.
 
"The Sound of Music" became well-known following to the five Oscars won by the Hollywood film starring Julie Andrews in 1965. The story had always had a difficult time in German-speaking areas due to the historical context, particularly in Austria, and was only performed for the first time in Salzburg two years ago. "Some spectators left the hall," says Timothy Socha, who is responsible for the overall direction: "We felt it was important to show the historical parts with the SS men as realistically as possible, and not to make an exaggerated comedy of it, as it is often the case”. The ETGZ has been rehearsing the piece since March.
 
"The songs are indeed very nostalgic. But, on the other hand, it’s a sophisticated piece, and the challenge excited me," says Karolina-Slavka Müller, who plays the lead role of Maria Rainer. The children's roles are particularly important in "The Sound of Music: "These young performers are very talented, have a good ear and sound wonderful. Working with them is a pleasure," says Müller.
 
The audience really loved the "Trapp Children", not only for their musical talent, but also their individual characters: "The kids are really great. It’s a pleasure to listen to them, "says Natalie Rosset, who has followed the appearances of ETGZ for 15 years, "My expectations on this well-known pieces were all met!"
 
Information:
"The Sound of Music" is also being performed this week in the Dorfmatt Centre Rotkreuz on Friday and Saturday, 26^th and 27^th September at 7.30 p.m., and on Sunday, 28^th September at 5:00 p.m.
Tickets available on www.etgz.ch.