dw.com
Russia: Today": A Multimedia Opera Exploring National Identity
Evgeny Birman's opera "Russia: Today" uses video art and operatic voices from a range of perspectives to depict Russia's identity and future, based on anonymous responses from people in Russia, Finland, Latvia, and Germany.
- What is the central message conveyed by the opera "Russia: Today" regarding the current state of Russia and its global implications?
- Evgeny Birman, a composer whose parents emigrated from the USSR to the US in 1994, created the opera "Russia: Today" 23 years later. The opera uses a multimedia format, combining video art with an operatic soundscape to give voice to diverse perspectives on Russia.
- How does the opera's use of multimedia, specifically the video art and operatic libretto, contribute to its overall impact and interpretation?
- The opera's libretto, compiled by Scott Dill, incorporates hundreds of anonymous responses to questions about Russia's past, present, and future, gathered from individuals in Russia, Finland, Latvia, and Germany. This diverse collection reflects a range of opinions, from patriotic proclamations to critical assessments of the state.
- What are the potential long-term implications of presenting such a diverse and at times critical perspective on Russia to international audiences, particularly considering the current geopolitical climate?
- The opera's video art, created by Alexandra Karelina, focuses on the stark natural landscapes of Russia, contrasting with the operatic voices expressing a wide spectrum of views on the country's identity and future. The juxtaposition of the unchanging nature with the turbulent expressions creates a powerful statement about Russia's past, present, and uncertain future.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a balanced view of the opera, acknowledging both positive and negative interpretations. While it highlights the critical perspectives expressed in the opera, it also mentions the composer's aim of representing diverse voices, and the inclusion of pro-government statements. The framing leans towards presenting the opera as a complex piece reflecting diverse viewpoints rather than pushing a particular narrative.
Bias by Omission
The opera includes a wide range of opinions on Russia, but the article doesn't specify the demographic breakdown of those interviewed. This omission could skew the perception of the overall sentiment towards Russia, as certain viewpoints may be over- or under-represented. The selection process is mentioned as aiming for diversity (oldest and youngest voices) but lacks specifics. It is unclear if this lack of demographic information is intentional or due to space constraints.
Sustainable Development Goals
The opera uses anonymous testimonies to highlight the political and social divisions within Russia, reflecting a lack of peace and justice. The quotes expressing fear and uncertainty about the future, along with the description of the opera as representing the "political death of the state," directly relate to the instability and lack of strong institutions within the country. The opera does not offer solutions but rather presents a critical perspective on the current state of affairs.