Komische Oper Berlin

Die Perlen der Cleopatra at Komische Oper Berlin

A glitter-soaked, high-camp spectacle full of extravagant costumes, cheeky humor, and irresistible tunes—operetta at its most outrageous and entertaining.

Philip Zuschke

18 Jun 2025 — 4 min read

🎭 Die Perlen der Cleopatra
🎶 Oscar Straus, 1924
💭 Barrie Kosky, 2016
🏛️ Komische Oper Berlin
🗓️ 22.05.2025

“SO EIN FLIRT, DER WAS WERT, DER ZUM DASEIN GEHÖRT!”

This catchy line perfectly captures the vivacious spirit of Komische Oper’s production of Oscar Straus’s Die Perlen der Cleopatra. While Akhnaten earlier this season might have left some longing for more visual and cultural Egyptian flair, Cleopatra more than makes up for it. The production bursts with vibrant aesthetics alluding to ancient Egypt, especially in its lavish costuming. Tunics, headdresses, crowns, and strings of pearls abound, drenched in jewel tones and radiant colors that bring the ancient world to life with a playful, extravagant touch. Each entrance is a mini spectacle, brimming with glitter, glamour, and cheeky grandeur that never fails to dazzle the eye.

The show is a quintessential Komische Oper concoction: sexy burlesque dancing meets eccentric, eye-popping costumes, all topped off with copious sparkles and an irreverent sense of humor rooted firmly in Berliner Schnauze. The audience was repeatedly sent into fits of laughter by the dry, sharp wit and clever use of regional dialects, making this more than just a night at the opera—it was a distinctly Berlin experience. The humor is sly and sociopolitical, laced with references to contemporary German debates such as the crumbling public transport system and cabinet gaffes, blending seamlessly into the operetta’s ancient setting. This playful mixing of eras and issues creates a hilariously layered commentary that feels fresh and relevant.

Musically, Straus pays affectionate homage to Verdi’s iconic Aida, the towering Egyptian grand opera in the repertoire. The score slyly references some of Aida’s most memorable moments, from the harp chord opening of the priests and priestesses’ prayers to lyrical and thematic nods to characters like Radamas and Amonasra. One particularly delightful touch is the inclusion of the Act 2 ballet from Aida, which here appears as a stylized choreographic interlude. These musical quotations add an extra layer of richness and humor, inviting those familiar with Verdi’s masterpiece to enjoy the playful dialogue between the two works.

Beyond its glittering surface, Die Perlen der Cleopatra offers yet another reminder of operetta’s enduring capacity for sharp sociopolitical critique. Far from being escapist fluff, this production takes pointed jabs at current issues circulating in German public discourse—ranging from the crumbling state of public transport infrastructure to thinly veiled cabinet jokes and digs at political leaders (or the lack thereof). At the same time, the satire reveals the limitations of comedy in challenging entrenched narratives.

One example stands out: a quip about high-end electric vehicles that can only drive short distances. On one level, it’s a smart send-up of the German automotive industry’s struggles with the EV transition; on another, it reflects a broader societal skepticism toward electric mobility. Yet the joke doesn’t fully engage with the complex reality of EVs today—it ends up reinforcing familiar cultural biases rather than interrogating them. This tension highlights how even in progressive, self-aware settings like this, certain tropes remain surprisingly resilient.

While the evening’s nearly 90-minute stretch before intermission was longer than expected—especially compared to an adaptation of Straus’ Die Lustigen Nibelungen, which I saw earlier this year at the Deutsche Oper Tischlerei—the pacing never faltered. The show maintained its infectious energy throughout, combining big laughs, sparkling visual fun, and sharp sociopolitical insights. This production proves that operetta can still resonate deeply today, serving as both a source of joyful entertainment and a meaningful platform for reflection.

Die Perlen der Cleopatra at Komische Oper offers a joyous, hilarious night out infused with sparkle, sharp wit, and unmistakable Berliner charm. For anyone looking for an operatic experience that is at once uproariously funny, musically clever, and socially engaged, this is a must-see that delights on multiple levels.