Silent Night

About the show

In summer 1914, war disrupts an opera performance in Berlin, sends singer Nikolaus Sprink to the front, prompts Scotsman William Dale to enlist, and separates pregnant Madeleine from French lieutenant Audebert. On 23–24 December, fighting kills William and Nikolaus despairs at the violence. German troops receive Christmas trees, the French receive food and wine, and the Scots receive whisky. Nikolaus sings “Silent Night,” accompanied by a Scottish bagpipe, and the soldiers agree to a truce. They meet in no man’s land, exchange provisions, and attend mass, while Jonathan vows revenge for William. On Christmas Day, the truce is extended for burials, but military headquarters condemn it. Anna leads Nikolaus across the lines to seek French asylum. On 26 December, the Scots are punished with reassignment; Jonathan mistakenly shoots Frenchman Ponchel in a German uniform. Audebert is sent to Verdun, German soldiers are transferred to Pomerania, and no man’s land is empty.