Hänsel und Gretel

"Hänsel und Gretel" is filled with well-known children's songs: "Brüderchen, komm tanz mit mir", "Ein Männlein steht im Walde" and the "Abendsegen". The plot is ambivalent: it is both a fairy tale for children and a fable about love during difficult times. Hänsel and Gretel grow up in hardship and deprivation, food is scarce and their father earns very little money. Nonetheless, the siblings frolic around the house, singing and dancing loudly – and as punishment, their mother send them into the forest to gather berries. They quickly lose their way and are imprisoned by a witch. After hatching a cunning plan to free themselves, they are eventually reunited with their parents. The story is touching and joyful, simple and profound at the same time.