Katze Ivanka

Nemirova, Vera (G)

1(=picc).1(I=corA).1(I=bcl).1-1.1.0.0-pft(=harm)-cel(played by conductor).perc*:(SD/BD/tam-t/gong/xyl/wdbl/cow.bells/whip/cyms-strings(4.0.2.2.1 or 8.0.3.3.1)
*to be recorded and played back
Reduced version: 1(=picc).1(=corA).1(=bcl).1-1.0.0.0-pft(=harm)-strings(1.1.1.1.1)

Tech Requirements
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Ever since the property master found her as a little kitten in a box of costumes, the cat Ivanka has lived in the colorful world of the opera house. Most of all, she likes to roam through the winding passageways between the cloakroom, foyer, and stage – that is her territory. She soon also knows the singers’ beautiful melodies inside out. Ivanka is the secret star of the house, and is spoiled and loved by everybody. The prima donna does not like this at all, just like the tricks Ivanka plays on her time and again. The singer complains to the director of the opera: Nobody pays attention to her. All eyes are always on Ivanka – and moreover she is also allergic to cat hair. That Ivanka, enraptured by the music, miaowed along on the prima donna’s part during a performance was the straw that broke the camel’s back. It was clear: The cat has to go!
The opera house bids farewell to its beloved mascot. Also her friends, the mice and the ballet pupils, come to her and sadly say goodbye. With a heavy heart, Falana makes his way, with Ivanka in his arms, to the train station and gives her to a railwayman, who is to bring her to a farm far away from the city. However, when the train reaches its destination, the cat is gone. The days and weeks pass. It has become quiet in the opera. Everybody misses Ivanka. Even the prima donna is a bit bored without her. And the director of the opera receives letters every day from audience members who again want to see Ivanka on the stage. A small line appears on the horizon in the landscape. It is Ivanka! Completely emaciated from the long trek by foot, she has come home. Ivanka emits a last “miaow,” and collapses. The artists strike up a song of praise to Ivanka and extol her seven cat-lives. But will she stay in the theater?