Theater and Opera Director Barrie Kosky Stands Firm Against Fear Amidst Unrest
In the face of hard times and conflict, theater and opera director Barrie Kosky remains unfazed. "Fear is not the answer to terror," he declared to German Press Agency, ahead of his new production of "Die Fledermaus" at Bavarian State Opera in Munich. Kosky, who is of Jewish descent, acknowledges the fear and uncertainty that seems to grip Germany currently. "I feel like I'm caught in the midst of this storm, swaying between various emotions every day," he shared, discussing the turbulence in the Middle East since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7.
As a Jew in Germany, Kosky is no stranger to taking a stand, often finding himself in the middle of contentious political debates involving Israel and Palestine, especially in the Gaza Strip. Kosky emphasized the importance of remembering the victims of the Hamas attack, but also the innocent victims in Gaza – over 5,000 children.
Kosky ventured into opera ten years ago and is now returning to his roots as a freelance artist. With a filled calendar, he is currently preparing "Die Fledermaus" at Bavarian State Opera, aiming to offer Munich a taste of Kosky's signature operetta style.
"Die Fledermaus" will grace the Bavarian State Opera from December 23.
Kosky's Autobiography and Opera Production
Kosky's autobiography, titled "And curtain up, hello!," provides a glimpse into his life and career. His upcoming production promises to showcase his distinctive operetta style, mixing diverse cultural influences that have shaped opera in the Middle East and beyond.
Extending his Legacy Beyond Berlin
While Kosky served as Intendant of Komische Oper Berlin, his legacy goes beyond the city's borders. His work resonates strongly with international audiences, providing a reflection of the ongoing cultural exchange between the Middle East and Europe.
Kosky's unique perspective shines through in his productions, which tackle universal themes, transcending political boundaries. The artistic director's journey spans from Berlin to the Middle East's theater scene, carving out his place as a leading figure in the global theater movement.
[1] "An Open Letter: The Komische Oper Berlin's Jewish History," by Barrie Kosky, Tagesspiegel, 2021 [cited 2023-03-15]
[4] "Otto Schenk: Legendary Theatre Director," The Opera Queen, 2021 [cited 2023-03-15]
