The Emperor of Atlantis
"The Emperor of Atlantis" is an opera composed by Viktor Ullmann in 1943. It is a satirical work that critiques totalitarianism and explores themes of power and oppression. The story is set in the mythical land of Atlantis, where the Emperor declares a war against death, leading to absurd and tragic consequences.
The opera features a cast of characters, including the Emperor, who embodies tyranny, and Death, who ultimately challenges the Emperor's authority. The work was composed while Ullmann was imprisoned in a concentration camp, making it a poignant reflection on the human condition and the struggle for freedom.