After the initial shock of Covid-19 things have begun to settle down a bit. Happily so! But it looks like we’re going to have to live with this virus for a while, which also means we’ll need to follow the hygiene and safety regulations. Amidst all the uncertainty, one thing’s for sure: we’re not going to be returning to business as usual by the end of the year.

Or are we? In fact, there is no business as usual in a theater. Surprises and unpredictability are part of the job. At an opera house, finding creative solutions to sudden changes and unforeseen challenges is business as usual.

I consider myself very fortunate as Artistic Director of the Komische Oper Berlin where we’re blessed with an ensemble of 24 curious and adventuresome singers, where the around 100 talented musicians in our orchestra are used to playing a diverse repertoire, and where our 60 choir soloists are among the most versatile and best performers in the world. This is indeed the perfect starting point for navigating through uncertain times and braving untrodden paths.

Thus we enjoyed developing an imaginative new program for the months from September to December 2020 that both respects the constantly changing safety regulations and manages to get some fun out of the unexpected circumstances. There will be new formats – I’ll be restaging four productions, among other things – which were not previously planned and have never been seen before at the Komische Oper. Our productions will reflect the need to adapt and we’ll be improvising more than usual – yet always to the highest standards. Naturally we’re making every effort to get back to our usual mode of operations as soon as possible. But until then, we’ll be making the most of these circumstances, thinking on our feet and working day to day like a bona fide travelling troupe.

In September the doors of the Komische Oper will open once again to receive our audiences. I’m deeply convinced that it will be particularly good for all of us during this time to experience musical theater together, to be carried away by emotion, to laugh and cry together.

After all, it is possible to think outside the box!
Barrie Kosky
Intendant und Chefregisseur