Cast & Characters

The Cast

Conductor: Fabio Luisi
Lulu: Marlis Petersen
Countess Geschwitz: Anne Sofie von Otter
Alwa: Gary Lehman
Painter: Michael Schade
Animal Trainer: Bradley Garvin
Dr. Schön: James Morris
Schigolch: Gwynne Howell

The Characters

Lulu (Soprano) - A beautiful dancer who exerts a nearly hypnotic effect on the men she encounters. She has no morals and her various relationships leave pain and chaos in their wake. Although her situation constantly worsens, she always has another admirer waiting to bail her out.

Countess Geschwitz (Mezzo-soprano) - A lesbian who is infatuated with Lulu. She hatches a brave plan to break Lulu out of jail. This involves the two of them trading places in the prison hospital. The plan requires Geschwitz to infect herself with cholera, a sacrifice that demonstrates the depth of her feeling for Lulu.

Dr. Schön (Baritone) - Lulu's benefactor, lover, and eventually husband. He rescued Lulu from life on the street when she was twelve, and although he tries to break free of his obsession, he cannot resist her.

Alwa (Tenor) - Dr. Schön's son. He, too, is completely spellbound by Lulu, even though she is connected with the deaths of his parents. He accompanies her to Paris and then to London, faithful through all her misfortunes.

Schigolch (Bass) - An old man whom Schön names as Lulu's father, a charge he denies.