What is an operetta?

An operetta is a form of musical theatre that combines spoken dialogue with singing and dancing. Operettas are typically lighter in tone than operas and often feature comedic elements. They also tend to be shorter than operas, with a running time of around two hours.

The first operettas were written in the 18th century in Europe. They quickly gained popularity and spread to other parts of the world. Some of the most famous operettas include The Mikado by Gilbert and Sullivan, La Belle Hélène by Jacques Offenbach, and Die Fledermaus by Johann Strauss II.

Operettas continue to be performed today, both in their original languages and in translation. They are often performed by amateur theatre companies as well as professional opera companies.