Daring men pull off the seemingly unattainable on the lake stage, minimizing potential dangers.
In the picturesque town of Bregenz, Austria, preparations are underway for a unique staging of Carl Maria von Weber's opera, "Der Freischütz". Two stuntmen, Matthew Johnston and Emilio H. Díaz Abregú, are at the heart of the action, rehearsing a series of breathtaking underwater stunts for the lakeside production.
Matthew Johnston and Emilio H. Díaz Abregú, both seasoned stuntmen, have been honing their skills in a swimming pool in Liverpool, ready to bring their aquatic prowess to Lake Constance. Johnston, one of two divers for the underwater stunts, is a returning talent, having spent his second year on Lake Constance. Meanwhile, Díaz Abregú, a native of Argentina, has been the stunt supervisor on Lake Constance for his ninth consecutive year.
The three underwater stunts are central to the lakeside production of "Der Freischütz". These daring feats involve jumping into the water with closed eyes and without a diving mask, diving to the backstage with equipment, and navigating the dark waters with the aid of ropes, a task also undertaken by the opera's artists.
The stunt team, led by Díaz Abregú, is known for its meticulous approach to risk minimization. This focus is evident in their collaboration with Wired Aerial Theatre, a professional company known for its expertise in creating spectacular yet controlled stunts. While specific technical details on their risk strategies are not disclosed, their emphasis on planning, rehearsals, and teamwork suggests a commitment to ensuring safety during complex aquatic stunts.
Díaz Abregú, who studied theater in his South American homeland, was inspired by the stage pictures from Bregenz. Johnston, too, expresses enthusiasm for the challenge of making the impossible possible in Bregenz. Both men are reserved, concentrated, and thoughtful, embodying the spirit of precision and focus required for their work.
The lakeside production of "Der Freischütz" also faces other challenges. The stunt team had one week less for rehearsals compared to the previous year. Weather conditions, such as light rain, can be more challenging for divers, but the stunt team is well-equipped to handle such situations. In preparation for the production, Díaz Abregú and his team ensure that no one catches a cold.
Despite these challenges, the stunt team is ready to deliver a thrilling spectacle. The singers of the lakeside production are expected to perform numerous scenes without taking on dangerous actions, leaving the underwater stunts to the experts. As the countdown to the opening night begins, anticipation builds for a truly unforgettable performance.
[1] For more detailed information on the stunt team's risk minimization strategies, please refer to their collaboration with Wired Aerial Theatre.
The stunt team, led by Emilio H. Díaz Abregú, is preparing at Lake Constance for their underwater stunts in the opera production, "Der Freischütz", following their rehearsals in a swimming pool in Liverpool. And, James Johnston, a returning stunt diver, and Díaz Abregú, the stunt supervisor for his ninth year on Lake Constance, are from different regions but are united in their focus on executing the sports-like stunts safely and brilliantly.
