The analogue world offers opera and theatre unlimited possibilities. With performing artists, music and design, the most varied realms of experience can be conjured on an empty stage in the here and now. But what new (virtual) spaces can be explored by incorporating the digital dimension? The Komische Oper Berlin (KOB) and the Berliner Ensemble (BE) are interested in developing artistic formats that merge new technologies with the classical elements, capabilities and resources of theatre and opera.
To this end KOB and BE are calling for proposals, of which the winning submission will be realised as part of the Spielräume project. The proposals submitted should be artistic projects that create new formats of theatrical experience in a sustainable and innovative way using digital technologies.
Specifically the KOB and BE are seeking formats that combine the analogue and digital sphere while producing a staged narrative work with actors, singers and/or musicians that also incorporates the live theatre experience. The focus is on formats that can be considered hybrids, amalgamating the analogue tools of theatre and opera with new digital technologies. The preference is for large-format artistic projects that can be realised in a way that involves the ensembles of the BE and the KOB. The resulting production does not have to be suitable for the repertoire, but can also be a temporary installation or a one-off event (that does not necessarily have to conform to the usual time frame of a theatre performance). The production can be realised on the premises of the Berliner Ensemble, but public or other spaces are also conceivable locations. Ideally, the format should be accessible to as wide an audience as possible (installations for individuals or small audiences should be avoided if possible). There are no specifications regarding subject matter: a narrative exploration of contemporary issues and material is as acceptable as research projects, the interpretation of classic works or a critique of the technologies applied.
The winning project will be selected through a multi-stage selection procedure with shortlisted projects from the initial call invited to submit a more detailed proposal. A fee of 2500 EUR will be paid to shortlisted applicants, with a production budget of 120,000 EUR for the winning proposal. The winning proposal can make use of the entire 22/23 season for production as the final presentation is scheduled in the second half of June 2023.
