In the midst of Middle Eastern tensions, Barrie Kosky, a distinguished theater and opera director based in Berlin, remains undeterred. He's gearing up for a new production of "Die Fledermaus" at the Bavarian State Opera in Munich, communicating a defiant message to the German Press Agency: "Fear is not the answer to terror."
Born in Australia and now a German resident, Kosky, the grandson of Jewish immigrants, grapples with the challenge of finding his place in Germany's tumultuous landscape. "I'm in the eye of this storm," he admitted, bobbing between emotions daily in response to the turmoil in the Middle East following the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel on October 7th.
As a Jew in Germany, Kosky's primary duty is preserving the memory of the victims of the Hamas attack. But in his role as a human being and a German citizen, he's also obligated to remember the innocent lives lost in Gaza, over 5,000 children included. This delicate balancing act is an integral part of his identity.
Ten years as the artistic director of the Komische Oper Berlin drew to a close, and Kosky is now returning to his roots as a freelance artist. With his calendar brimming, he's currently focusing on 'Die Fledermaus' at the Bavarian State Opera. As he laughed, he shared his intention to give Munich a taste of his unique 'Kosky operetta frenzy.'
The Middle East's conflicts haven't dissuaded Kosky from continuing his work in the cultural melting pot of Berlin and Munich. His belief in music and theater as uniting forces drives him to contribute to diverse cultures.
When it comes to visual storytelling and emotional impact in performances, Barrie Kosky has made a name for himself with innovative productions. His collaboration with 1927 on 'The Magic Flute' showcases his ability to seamlessly blend various artistic elements, creating a captivating and emotionally resonant theatrical experience.
Barrie Kosky's approach could potentially be adapted to address fear and terror in a way that's both powerful and relatable. As a master of evoking dream worlds and mythological themes, his productions are known to be magnetic and emotionally engaging, drawing audiences deeply into the story. While this analysis is speculative, as there's no direct reference to addressing fear and terror in Kosky's productions, it's plausible that he could find innovative ways to tackle these themes through his distinctive creative genius.
