Sep 26, 2022
It was wonderful to stage the film and live performance of "Sacre du Printemps" with choreographer Evelyne Krüger-Maitrel for the German State Philharmonic. The sound of the 120-piece orchestra at the premiere was overwhelming. The 800 spectators celebrated the production with minutes of standing ovation.
I am delighted to report on the successful premiere of my latest production set to Igor Stravinsky's groundbreaking ballet music “Le Sacre du Printemps.” Stravinsky's piece is more relevant today than ever, with its depiction of nature and the tribe that sacrifices a girl. In my production, I wanted to place these themes in the context of our current reality: Are we sacrificing the future of a young generation today, or can we work together to create a more sustainable community?
The inspiration for this production originated in my own experiences. I remember exactly the first time I learned about the climate crisis. At the age of 13, I watched a documentary on my own and spent the entire evening crying. The fear, anger, and sadness I felt was overwhelming. When I talked to others about it, I realized that many of us had similar feelings. This realization motivated me to write a production that provides space for all the emotions we often repress in everyday life, but also for the community we need to bring about change.
The story begins with the film: Lea, a dreamy, withdrawn, and melancholic woman, discovers a dancing environmental protection group. Fascinated, she allows herself to be carried away into their magical forest, where she blossoms and experiences that she herself is part of the community and nature. But suddenly, they are all threatened by the destruction of their environment. Dark beings of destruction attack them, and the question arises: Will they become victims, or can they save themselves and their environment?
The film ends, and now the dancers appear in the hall, and the story continues live. The audience finds itself in the midst of all the destruction, greed, and violence, but also in the midst of all the courage, hope, and kindness. The question remains: What kind of world do we want to create?
The production brings together not only different art forms, but also artists from different parts of the world. Special thanks go to choreographer Evelyne Krüger-Maitrel and the entire film and dance ensemble, who brought this production to life with passion and dedication. Your commitment and your art have made this performance an unforgettable experience. It was a wonderful collaboration with the Deutsche Staatsphilharmonie and artistic director Beat Fehlmann. It was an unforgettable experience to hear the film and dance accompanied by the incredible power of the music of the 120-piece orchestra, conducted by Michael Francis.
Comments on the piece:
“Seemingly boundless artistic imagination,” Beat Fehlmann, Artistic Director of the German State Philharmonic Orchestra
“I left the hall feeling fulfilled! An absolutely thrilling experience!” Roswitha Sperber, singer & promoter of female composers
"I was so moved. I never thought I would learn something from a stage play in my old age! The scene with the different dances of the world taught me about tolerance. There was this understanding of differences."
Elke Rieck, CEO Biokonzept
“What a great evening! The film gave my friends access to music! I love classical music anyway, but my friends don't usually.” Kathrin, sociology student