Laterna Magica

Nowadays, technological progress is rarely associated with the concept of magic – but for the people of the 17th century, even the projection of a simple image on the wall was nothing other than magical. The magic lantern (laterna magica) is a projector that was invented in the 17th century and developed into a mass medium in the 19th century. A forerunner of modern cinema, it combines various optical effects in a single device: figures and landscapes appear out of nowhere as projected images in front of the audience’s eyes.

In collaboration with composer Oxana Omelchuk, who is particularly interested in electronic and contemporary music, the artist, film historian and author of several magic lantern shows Anne Gourdet-Marès is developing a chamber opera. She will use images and techniques from the 19th century to tell the story of the creation and discovery of new worlds. The story will unfold in a sequence of moving images on the screen to the accompaniment of two opera voices, three instruments and electronic sounds.

The blending together of touching, poetic and fairytale elements breaks through the boundaries of reality. A small black box stage will be transformed into an immersive space in which the audience can experience the performance with all their senses.

Cast:

Music director: NN

Stage director: Anne Gourdet-Marès

Dramaturge: Polina Sandler

With: Marie Heeschen, Santiago Sánchez