Es ist nicht leicht, es ist nicht leicht, es ist nicht leicht!

Since 2021, [in]operabilities has been encouraging artistic research into the «Aesthetic of Access» in musical theatre, linking the art form of opera with the question of its accessibility. Within the canon and cosmos of opera, artists with different styles of perception are seeking forms of multisensory music-making and encounter. The focus is on artistic work incorporating integrated audio description – some of which is sung – sign language and sign language poetry.

The new production by [in]operabilities explores «Fidelio», the only opera by the composer Ludwig van Beethoven, who later lost his hearing. Whilst Beethoven is said to have been struggling with increasing isolation due to his deafness at the time, the team of performers seeks the emancipatory and liberating power of music for all the senses – and a potentially genuinely deaf aesthetic in Beethoven’s work from this period.

Following on from «Die Insel», this time the focus is on the performers’ personal perspectives on the desire for freedom, autonomy and solidarity in times of crisis. Confronted with drastic cuts to funding for culture, democracy, social welfare and inclusion, this desire also becomes an existential question.

With

Benjamin van Bebber (director); Leo Hofmann (composition, loosely based on Beethoven’s opera «Fidelio»); Athena Lange, Fia Neises, Marie-Sophie Richter (performance); Franziska Henschel (dramaturgy); Susanne Tod, Emil Leske (German Sign Language dramaturgy); Naomi Sanfo, Jeanne Charlotte Vogt (Dramaturgy: Audio Description); Gunda Schröder (Outside Eye & Ear); Ladislav Zajac (Lighting/Space); Jessica Gadani (Costumes); Emil Leske (Directing Support); Sofia Chionidou (Production Assistant); Nina Klöckner/ehrliche Arbeit (Finance); Jeanne Charlotte Vogt (Public Relations/Creative Producer); Susanne Tod, Emil Leske, Naomi Sanfo (Public Relations Support)

[in]operabilities (Concept/Production/Libretto in German and German Sign Language, inspired by Eva von Redecker, Donna Haraway and «Fidelio»); Christina Müller, Céline Sawkins, Nicole Ostrycharczyk, Marie Schaper, Clara Bosse, Anna Maria Meyer, Katrin Kukla, Kunigunde Schindler (support during the rehearsal process from interpreters for German Sign Language and German)

Info

Post-performance discussion
On 22 January 27, there will be a short Q&A session following the performance. The session will be interpreted into German Sign Language (DGS) and German.

Language
In German Sign Language (DGS) and spoken German, with simplified surtitles and integrated audio description in German. An induction loop is available to assist hearing-impaired visitors.

Access
For blind and visually impaired visitors and their carers, a tactile tour will take place 60 minutes before the performance begins. Early boarding is available 15 minutes before the performance begins.
Wheelchair spaces can be booked separately. Interpreters for SDGS and German, as well as Access Buddies to assist with any questions regarding accessibility, will be available on site.

Special notes
The stands will vibrate at certain points during the performance. There are sections with flickering lights and reflections.

Duration

60 minutes, no break

Prices

CHF 35.-/25.-/15.- (free choice at the box office or in advance)
Free admission applies to persons with residence permit N, F or S. / CHF 5.- students of the Hochschule für Musik FHNW and the Musicology Seminar of the University of Basel / CHF 10.- members Colourkey, KulturLegi and children under 12 years.

Links

→ www.inoperabilities.net