The Komische Oper is showing a famous work from the Baroque period in the old Tempelhof Airport – the “Messiah” by Georg Friedrich Handel (1685-1759). A special feature: almost 400 amateur musicians will sing along, as announced on the stage. The Italian director Damiano Michieletto has incorporated a plot that is reminiscent of a true story from the USA: A young woman falls ill with a fatal brain tumor and decides to die on her own terms. The Komische Oper had already performed “The Raft of the Medusa” in a hall of the airport, which has been out of service since 2008. The ensemble is usually seen in the main building in the Schillertheater in Charlottenburg due to construction work. The Handel production in Tempelhof will be performed on a 60 by 20 meter stage.
Inspired by a true story
Michelietto was inspired by Brittany Maynard, an American woman with terminal cancer who took a lethal drug in 2014. Her video message moved many people at the time. “She knew that she had little time to act and that she might suddenly wake up one morning and no longer be able to speak or express her wishes,” explains the director. “Her story has occupied me for years, not least because the issue of end-of-life care is hotly debated in Italy, as in many other European countries.” Handel is said to have composed the powerful “Messiah” in just 24 days. The oratorio traces the path of Christ and is – not only thanks to its “Hallelujah” chorus – one of the most famous classical works of all time. The version of the comic opera is not so much Maynard’s story, but rather a universal story about the question of the right way to live and die.
After the premiere this Saturday (21 September), further performances are planned in September and October. There is space for 1,800 spectators.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:240920-930-237817/1
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