A new chamber opera explores the dilemma in choosing between the roles of father and idealist, which in 1944 cost poet-cum-pastor Kaj Munk his life

Prior to World War II, Kaj Munk expressed great admiration for the German dictator Adolf Hitler. But during the Danish Occupation, he became such an outspoken opponent of the Nazi regime that he was liquidated by an SS patrol in January 1944.

The Martyrdom explores how Kaj Munk gradually slips away from his family in his search for God’s plan for him. Meanwhile, his wife Lise tries in vain to persuade him to choose life as a father rather than martyrdom to his cause. The newly composed chamber opera focuses on religious martyrdom, which even today represents a burning issue.

The role of Kaj Munk is played by award-winning countertenor Morten Grove Frandsen (Opera Talent of the Year 2015), and mezzo-soprano Liv Oddveig Midtmageli lends her voice to the role of Lise Munk, wife of Kaj Munk.

Prominent Danish composer John Frandsen created the music along with the world-famous Bjarke Mogensen who is centre stage with his accordion. Tine Topsøe stages Vilhelm Topsøe’s libretto with set design by Rebekka Bentzen.

Performances are in Danish.