Feen, Die

Opera by Wagner (libretto by the composer, based on Carlo Gozzi's comedy, La donna serpente), composed in 1833, when Wagner was aged 20, and not staged in his lifetime. It was first produced in Munich, Germany, on 29 June 1888, rehearsed by Richard Strauss, who was not allowed to conduct the performance. Dramatic ideas from Die Feen are developed in Strauss's opera Die Frau ohne Schatten (1919). In the story, Ada, a half fairy, marries King Arindal on the condition that he does not ask about her true identity. He fails, and she is turned to stone, but Arindal restores her and the two leave for fairyland.