zeit.de
Jesus Christ Superstar" Opens in Berlin's Tempelhof Airport Hangar
The Komische Oper Berlin premiered "Jesus Christ Superstar" on Friday, September 22nd, 2023, in Tempelhof Airport's Hangar 4, featuring a rock opera style, hundreds of performers, and a visually striking production design by Philipp Stölzl.
- What were the most striking aspects of the "Jesus Christ Superstar" production at Tempelhof Airport?
- The production featured an extravagant visual style, with costumes described as resembling a "Kreuzberg fetish party", including a pink wig for Jesus and a gold-glittered skirt for Pontius Pilate. The large-scale staging involved over 350 dancers representing the concert audience and a full rock band and orchestra. The lead actor, John Arthur Greene, was praised for his powerful vocal performance.
- How does this production of "Jesus Christ Superstar" compare to previous stagings, and what is its significance?
- Director Andreas Homoki stated that this is likely the largest-scale production of the musical ever undertaken. The use of Tempelhof Airport's Hangar 4 provides a unique and expansive performance space, adding to its visual impact and scale. This production also uses a rock opera style.
- What are the potential long-term implications or interpretations of staging this particular musical in this specific location?
- Staging "Jesus Christ Superstar" in a repurposed historical space like Tempelhof Airport creates a juxtaposition between the historical significance of the location and the contemporary rock opera style of the musical. This could provoke reflection on themes of faith, celebrity, and societal spectacle within a unique and memorable context. The massive scale of the production in this location could lead to more similar events in unusual places.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The review focuses on the positive aspects of the musical, such as the impressive staging, costumes, and the vocal talents of the cast. While it mentions Jesus's frustration with the hype, this is presented as a plot point rather than a criticism of the character or the message. The headline, although not provided, would likely also contribute to the overall framing.
Language Bias
The language used is largely descriptive and enthusiastic, employing words like "wilde Party," "schmetternden Gesangseinlagen," and "extravaganten Fetisch-Party." While these are subjective, they contribute to a positive and exciting tone. There is no overtly biased or loaded language.
Bias by Omission
The review omits potential negative aspects of the production. It doesn't mention any criticisms of the acting, directing, or musical arrangements beyond noting Jesus's frustration which is part of the plot. A more balanced review would include both positive and negative critical points to provide a fuller picture. Given the length, this might be a limitation of scope, rather than deliberate bias.