Theodor

Southeast US Premiere

Presented by the Israeli Opera, Theodor is an inspiring and visually stunning opera that illuminates the life and legacy of Theodor Herzl, the visionary architect of the modern State of Israel. This compelling production follows Herzl’s journey from his early encounters with antisemitism in Europe to his recognition of the urgent need for a Jewish homeland, ultimately leading to the foundation of the Zionist movement.

With music composed by Yonatan Cnaan and direction by Ido Ricklin, Theodor masterfully interweaves theater and evocative visuals to depict Herzl’s fervent pursuit of Jewish identity and belonging. The opera explores two intertwined realities: the youthful Herzl (portrayed by Noam Heinz) as he embraces his Jewish heritage, and his older self (Oded Reich), who, marked by his iconic black beard, sets out to fulfill his destiny by writing The State of the Jews.

Honored by Opera Now as one of the best operas of 2023, Theodor was filmed live at the Israeli Opera House shortly after the October 7 Hamas attack, bringing Herzl's timeless vision to a modern audience.