"Venus in silk"

A double return to the stage of Graz Opera

Ferry Öllinger returns to the stage after a long illness(Bild: zVg.)

On Saturday, the operetta "Venus in Seide" by Robert Stolz celebrates its premiere at Graz Opera - it is a double return to the stage that means the world. On the one hand, it is the first time since 1970 that a work by the city's great son has been performed there again. On the other hand, actor Ferry Öllinger is celebrating his stage comeback after a serious illness.

It has been a proud 54 years since a work by Robert Stolz was last seen at Graz Opera - incidentally, it was also "Venus in Seide" back then, and now the premiere is being celebrated again on Saturday. Neo-director Ulrich Lenz is thus closing a gap that should never have become so large. After all, Stolz is one of the city's great sons and has written timeless operetta melodies that still have fans all over the world today.

Öllinger back on stage after a long illness
But the premiere evening also has a second emotional return to offer. Ferry Öllinger, the Upper Austrian actor who is best known for his role as post commander Kroisleitner in "SOKO Kitzbühel", is celebrating his stage comeback after a long illness. In the role of Baron Vilmos Oroszy in "Venus in Seide", he will not only demonstrate his acting skills but also his singing talent.

Kammersängerin Ildiko Raimondi can be seen in "Venus in Seide" as Countess Mizzi Pottenstein-Oroszy(Bild: Nadja Meister)

At his side: Kammersängerin Ildiko Raimondi, who was a member of the Vienna State Opera ensemble for 30 years and now plays the Baron's sister in "Venus in Seide" in Graz. The fact that two such big names can be seen in this production also shows how important the revival of Stolz's work seems to be to Lenz and his team.

A total of 14 performances of "Venus in Silk" are scheduled in Graz until the end of June.