Simon Broughton, an expert in the music of Theresienstadt, introduces an opera created in this infamous ghetto and camp. A collaboration between composer Viktor Ullmann and poet and artist Peter Kien, the stage work utilises the sparse resources available to the creators at Theresienstadt. Mixing styles including Lutheran chorals, symphonic language, cabaret and jazz, Der Kaiser von Atlantis is satirical yet hopeful, imagining a world unspoiled by human greed.
In the opera, Death is disillusioned by the increasing mechanisation of war and dying. As the emperor decrees that all humankind will be armed and fight till there are no survivors, Death goes on strike, leaving thousands left in limbo 鈥渨restling with life鈥oing their best to die鈥�. But as the emperor loses his grip on power, will Death yield, and at what cost to the emperor?
Please note that the events in this Total Immersion day deal with subjects of a distressing nature.
This free talk has limited capacity. Seats reserved for Total Immersion day pass holders only (available for 拢48).
