When does the performance begin?

The performance begins on November 22, 2026, at 18:30.

How long does the evening last?

The schedule states a duration until 21:30; the total time is around 3 hours.

How much does a ticket cost?

Tickets are available from €22.50 according to the ticket page.

Is there a pre-performance introduction?

Yes, a pre-performance introduction is offered in the opera foyer 30 minutes before it begins.

Is the theater accessible?

The building is historic and only partially accessible, but it has a ramp, wheelchair spaces, and an accessible toilet.

Where is the venue located?

The Duisburg Theater - Grand House is located at Opernplatz in 47051 Duisburg.

Zemlinsky's The Chalk Circle unfolds rare opera magic at Duisburg Theater

Name: The Chalk Circle
Start: 2026-11-22T19:30:00+01:00
End: 2026-11-22T22:30:00+01:00
Location: Theater Duisburg – Großes Haus

An operatic rarity with magnetic appeal: The Chalk Circle at the Duisburg Theater

Alexander Zemlinsky's The Chalk Circle returns as a rarely performed opera to the Duisburg Theater, unfolding the full tension of a stage work between fairy tale, social drama, and musical fine detailing. The production combines expressive sound, psychological escalation, and the fragile beauty of a story about power, motherhood, and justice. The performance on November 22, 2026, begins at 18:30 in the Grand House and is scheduled to last until 21:30. ([operamrhein.de](https://www.operamrhein.de/spielplan/a-z/der-kreidekreis/?utm_source=openai))

A story between myth and reality

The Chalk Circle is based on Klabund's adaptation of a Chinese source from the 14th century; Zemlinsky shaped it into his last completed opera in Zurich in 1933. The work blends poetic realism with Far Eastern color, jazz influences, and a keen sense for theatrical contrasts. This very mix makes the evening a stage experience for opera enthusiasts who appreciate dramaturgical finesse and emotional intensity. ([operamrhein.de](https://www.operamrhein.de/spielplan/a-z/der-kreidekreis/?utm_source=openai))

Musical colors that resonate

The music shimmers between late Romanticism, cabaret elements, and an expressive tonal language that recalls Strauss, Mahler, and Kurt Weill. At its center is an operatic narrative that does not rely loudly on effects but derives its strength from the precision of the dramaturgy, from the interplay between sung and spoken passages, and from the intensity of character encounters. The Duisburg Theater also points out a pre-performance introduction in the opera foyer, 30 minutes before the performance begins. ([operamrhein.de](https://www.operamrhein.de/spielplan/a-z/der-kreidekreis/?utm_source=openai))

The evening at Duisburg Theater

The Grand House welcomes its audience with a classic theater atmosphere: cloakroom, gastronomy in the foyers, and a clearly regulated admission process are part of the visit. The house opens an hour before the performance begins, and the auditorium doors open at least ten minutes before it starts. There are designated seats for wheelchair users, a ramp, and an accessible toilet; at the same time, the historic building remains partially barrier-free. Two disabled parking spaces are located on Moselstraße. ([theater-duisburg.de](https://www.theater-duisburg.de/ihr-besuch/theater-duisburg/))

Why this opera evening is worth it

The Chalk Circle is not a routine title but a discovery with artistic radiance. Those who engage with this production will experience a dense music theater between fairy tale imagery and social criticism, carried by a strong ensemble and a score with exceptional colorfulness. A visit promises excitement, sensual impressions, and an evening that will be remembered. ([operamrhein.de](https://www.operamrhein.de/spielplan/a-z/der-kreidekreis/?utm_source=openai))