The new production of the opera "Koma" by Georg Friedrich Haas is the next contemporary work at the Braunschweig State Theater, following "Dead Man Walking", "Das große Heft", "Dog Days", "Hanjo" and "Angels in America", among others, and promises to be another high point in the exploration of new forms of musical theater. Under the musical direction of Alexis Agrafiotis and in a production by artistic director Dagmar Schlingmann, the audience will not sit in the auditorium, but on the stage. The audience capacity in the main hall of the State Theater is therefore limited to 180 per performance. In addition, parts of the performance will take place in total darkness, as intended by the composer.

coma

Staatstheater Braunschweig

A minor character is at the center of this play. We know him, if at all, only as a murder victim. As the man killed by his own son, Oedipus. His widow, Jocasta, unknowingly fathers more children incestuous with that son. Among them is Antigone. As the great-grandson of the man who founded Thebes - not without first sowing an army from dragon's teeth - Laius does everything to escape his role (in the family, the city, the myth). Appointed heir to the throne as a child and therefore represented as ruler for a long time, the young man leads a queer life in Olympia, with no interest in power. But the city, born of bloody battle, catches up with him: As the last survivor of the ruling clan, he is the only one who can ensure peace in the civil war-torn country. So Laius finally accepts his leadership role - and fate takes its course.

Laius

What does a future look like in which researchers aren’t just creating with artificial intelligence, but have also learned to copy people at the computer? This scenario was put forth by economist Robin Hanson in his book The Age of Em – Work, Love and Life when Robots Rule the Earth. Composer Zara Ali from Memphis, Tennessee is currently working on bringing Hanson’s physical-digital hybrids to the stage in what she describes as a sort of “spherical installation” that will place the audience in the perceptual world of these “Ems”.

New Scenes VII

Deutsche Oper Berlin

Betrayed by his brother, Prospero, Duke of Milan, escapes to a remote island with his daughter and devotes himself to his books. Years later, the political figures who once overthrew him are stranded on Prospero's island after a devastating storm. Can the old balance of power now be restored and can Prospero return as a rightful, good ruler?

Sabine Mader

Events

Upcoming events

Jan 19 - Feb 22, 2025

Laius · Staatstheater Braunschweig

Apr 27 - May 3, 2025

New Scenes VII · Deutsche Oper Berlin

May 4 - Jul 2, 2025

The storm · Staatstheater Braunschweig

Past events

Mar 9, 2024

coma · Staatstheater Braunschweig

About

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