Lifelong opera stan projecting my sociological and queer perspective onto what’s playing on Berlin‘s big and small classical stages.
Deutsche Oper Berlin
While the production may not have intended to make a political statement, the parallels were personally difficult to ignore. This serves as a reminder that opera, like all art, is inherently political, and exists in the context of our reality.
Deutsche Oper Berlin
While it might appear that this is a tale for children, the story conveys very adult topics like sexuality, loss of a loved one, revenge, unfulfilled relationships, and regret late in life. As so often with children’s fairytales, two stories are being told in parallel.
Konzerthaus Berlin
It‘s not surprising that Beethoven 9 has become this traditional New Year‘s piece: we‘re all particularly receptive to its message of global fraternity and sorority around the holidays.
Komische Oper Berlin
This production is a truly special take on Mozart’s 1791 icon: the stage is a flat two-dimensional white surface onto which a sort of animated fairytale reminiscent of 20th century silent film is projected to show most of the plot.
Deutsche Oper Berlin
Originally written in 1825 to commemorate the aforementioned coronation, IL VIAGGIO A REIMS is less of a traditional narrative opera and rather a “scenic cantata”—a glittering excuse to showcase the greatest vocal talent of its time.
Babylon Berlin
The live music accompaniment is essential, breathing new life into the sometimes glacial pacing of silent cinema. It keeps the audience engaged and heightens appreciation for this form of musical art—something that can lost in films from our time.
Neuköllner Oper
The production curates a selection of cantatas, arias and chorales by the one and only Johann Sebastian Bach to tell a modern story about (im)mortality, suffering, transience, and serendipity.
Deutsche Oper Berlin
Beyond its bohemian charm, the opera is a classically beautiful yet tragic tale of love, jealousy, betrayal, emotional turmoil, reconciliation, and death.
Komische Oper Berlin
The German localization is great. Not only is the translation great, but the show is noticeably adapted for a German audience, at times with local vernacular and sociocultural references. Who knew a thick Berlin accent could make murder sound so glamorous?
Deutsche Oper Berlin
This ZWERG is not just a tragic story—it is an uncompromising reflection on how society’s gaze destroys the vulnerable. The production is a theatrical and emotional tour de force that leaves the audience reeling.
Staatsballett Berlin
Seeing two ballets by the same choreographer in different opera houses within a week is something that can only happen in Berlin. Culture here truly is the gift that keeps on giving!
Staatsoper Berlin
This production is a time capsule of 2010s Germany, brimming with the optimism and unity of a nation celebrating its post-reunification identity. Yet viewed through the lens of 2024, it also serves as a stark reminder of how fragile that optimism has proven.