Meet Hansel: Xenia Puskarz Thomas
Australian mezzo-soprano Xenia Puskarz Thomas recently arrived in Calgary — along with her best parka — for her Canadian debut in our upcoming production of Hansel and Gretel, featuring design by The Old Trout Puppet Workshop.
Mezzo-sopranos have the unique joy of playing so-called “trouser roles”, generally young male characters like those found in Mozart’s operas — or like Hansel in Humperdinck’s lush adaptation of the fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm.
We asked Puskarz Thomas what’s fun about jumping into a storytelling production like this Hansel and Gretel, and the special skill of portraying a boy in opera:
What’s the secret to playing a kid/boy onstage?
“I think kids have this deep, natural sense of curiosity and a wonderful playfulness, and we’ve all really brought that joyful attitude into the rehearsal room. As Hansel, I get to be the cheeky little brother, and in this production he’s especially goofy, energetic, and mischievous. Every rehearsal has felt like a creative sandpit, full of imagination and humour as we bring these characters to life. My colleagues are so incredibly talented and witty, and we’re absolutely letting loose and having so much fun together.”
What do you find most exciting about quickly joining a production?
“Jumping into a project certainly keeps your days full of surprises, but the collaboration is always worth the chaos. Meeting the artistic team and cast, diving straight into the story and the characters, and discovering those magical moments in the music - that’s why I do this. At the heart of it, we’re all here for the storytelling and the music, and this joint effort in collaboration is what makes me so inspired by opera.”
Xenia Puskarz Thomas as Cherubino in The Marriage of Figaro, Opera Queensland. Photo: Jade Ferguson.
What are your three words to describe this show?
“Magical, wicked, heart-warming.
“There’s a real fairytale atmosphere, from the costumes and puppets to the characters themselves. Every corner is full of clever details and delights. This production creates its own magical world, and I can’t wait for audiences to experience it.”
What’s your favourite part of the show?
“How can I possibly choose just one?? Probably any scene with the puppets, and of course the [Cantaré'] Children’s Choir. Their spirit and creativity are so touching and evocative. It’s a beautiful reminder of why fairytales continues to captivate audiences of all ages — this show is pure theatrical joy.”
Why will kids love Hansel and Gretel?
“This production is a real feast for the eyes. There are puppets, vibrant colours, wonderful music, and characters that feel as if they’ve stepped straight out of a storybook. It’s sung in English with surtitles, so young audiences can follow every twist and turn of the adventure, and also laugh along with all our cheeky, silly moments.”
Catch Xenia Puskarz Thomas onstage in Hansel and Gretel, Jan. 31-Feb. 6 at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. Get tickets right here.