Brundibar – On Stage Again

In 2003, Maurice Sendak re-illustrated the musical “Brundibar”. At the time the book “Brundibar” was published, the musical “Brundibar” was performed onstage by the Berkeley Theater in California, USA.

Observe the picture and click Brundibar.

In this illustration Brundibar is seen to be snatching the children’s money. Maurice Sendak drew Brundibar in a fancy but worn out uniform of an army officer.

Look and think:
• Why, in your opinion, did Maurice Sendak choose to “dress up” Brundibar in an army uniform?
• Do you think Brundibar’s character is funny or scary?

Illustration by Maurice Sendak for the play “Brundibar”, performed in Berkeley Theater, California, USA