The BVG has done it once again! Seemingly not shying away from raising the level of self-ironic absurdity with each new “Weil wir dich lieben” ad campaign, their new video shows how a normal subway ride turns into the U-Bahn version of Mozart’s “Magic Flute”. Does that sound a bit odd to you? Well, then you should watch it maybe.
The Berlin U-Bahn, actually it’s nothing more but a daily necessity, bringing us from A to B. But, a necessity that takes up a lot of our time, on uncomfortable seats, in crowded stations watching little yellow wagons rush in and out. We love to hate it, ….and kind of hate to love it. With their campaign the BVG aren’t afraid to ridicule themselves, their flaws, and “Schienenersatzverkehr”, while also making a ‘lil fun of us, the ever complaining Berliners, who kind of act like the world is gonna end just because we missed one U-Bahn (and the next one is 4 long minutes away).
Anyone whose funny bone is tickled by the thought of a collection of Berlin folks randomly going all ‘Anne Netrebko’ in the underground should watch this video.
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by Andy | Videos
photo: Monika Rittershaus
If the devil came to Berlin he would not be able to scare a single soul. Because Berliners have real problems like rising rents, shitty jobs or not getting into Berghain (depending on priorities) and have no time for religious superstitions. It’s quite a different story in the small village of Sorochinsky in the middle of nowhere in the Ukraine where the devil is the cause for a lot of fear and trauma.
At least what I learned from the opera “The Fair of Sorochinsky” by Russian composer Mussorgsky which I had the chance to enjoy last weekend at Komische Oper Berlin. In between Russian folklore, impossible relationships and a devil’s feast with pigs on fire I had a musical enlightenment I would like to share with you.
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by Claudio | Theater
photo: Roberto Bolle at Arena di Verona by Luciano Romano
In the summer months it’s always noticeable that there is a little less going on in town than usual. Even the Berlin visitors are taking little excursions to other European places and before you stay here and get bored maybe you should also plan your next short trip. Today we have one suggestion for you: The beautiful city of Verona in Northern Italy. It’s not only the home of the fictional tragic couple of Romeo and Juliet, but also one of the most charming Italian cities to visit and only such a short flight away from Berlin.
The romantic, historic city is a total contrast to the rough urban landscapes of Berlin. One historic building aligns itself with the next and you will quickly feel like you are lost in another time. Among the many highlights of the city the one location that is going to be in every “Top 10 Things to do in Verona” lists (I checked…) is the Arena di Verona. Find out more about it after the jump.
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by Frank | Music, Theater, Travel
photo: Pablo Derka
I think nearly nobody from the younger generation of Western Europeans has a concrete idea of what war is all about. It’s quite a different case in Israel where war is a constant threat and alone the three years of compulsory military service have an influence of the young generation’s mindset.
In the fresh new theatre piece of my good friend Santiago Blaum that will premiere this Friday at the Sophiensaele the story revolves around Elik Niv who is an Israeli elite soldier who left his homeland to establish a career as a contemporary dancer in Germany. On the stage he encounters the devil, like in Stravinsky’s L’Histoire du Soldat, and must enter into negotiations with him: reality and fiction, a biography and historical facts melt into one. Like an ego-shooter Elik takes us through video simulations, personal war experiences and beyond borders. Tatiana Saphir, star of our fashion parody Tati the Fruti Salad, is contributing to the piece in the role of a fabulous actress. The dates and more information after the jump.
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by Claudio | Theater
The title might be misleading, but The Opéra magazine is actually dedicated to the beautiful art of nude photography, both in the classic and contemporary style. More than 20 international photographers have contributed to the first issue, available now online and in selected magazine shops. Berlin-based photographers René Fietzeck, Cynthia Berger, Jo Schwab and Madame Peripetie are also included in the magazine. Enjoy a preview after the jump.
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by Frank | Art
Hipster Olympiade, photo by Katrin Köbbert
This week everything seems to be back to normal in our weekly event guide. The summer is playing a nasty game with us, but what choice do we have other then making the best of it and hoping for some sunshine and less rain. Some highlights of this week are the concert of Hush Hush at the new club Chalet by the former Bar25 owners. The first Kiez Opera at Salon Zur Wilden Renate and the second Hipster Olympiade taking the crap out of some typical clichées about Berlin Hipsters. Have a look at our event recommendations after the jump.
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by Frank | Art, Fashion, Movies, Music, Party, Theater
Did you ever consider a synthesizer as a fetish object? Probably not. Young Argentinean director and musician Santiago Blaum however will give you a taste of it with his debut piece playing this Friday at Hau 3. In his opera Switch On he will enable you to reach a different sphere with a multidisciplinary first class ensemble that will change your ideas about classical and electronic music completely. An evening that shows a part of western music history from a non-European point of view. Dates after the switch.
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by Claudio | Entertainment, Events, Theater
When I interviewed Karin Dreijer Andersson from The Knife at Berghain back early last year she already told me about the Electronic Opera project about Charles Darwin’s evolution theory that they had been working on with the performance group Hotel Pro Forma. Sadly I missed it when it was finally performed in Dresden in the fall. A week ago it was on stage again in Stockholm and a few friends and I took the chance and booked a flight to see it.
I am not an expert on Operas and on modern dance. And to be honest I’m not a big fan of either of them. But this production was really amazing for me. The combination of the dark electronic tunes of The Knife that strongly remind me of Fever Ray with high pitched Opera singing really goes under your skin.
For those who did not get a chance to see the Opera Tomorrow, In A Year they released a studio version of it that I can warmly recommend. It is a collaboration of The Knife, Mt. Sims and Planningtorock. It is available only at theknife.net and will be in stores early March. After the jump you can see a trailer of the Opera and prelisten to the album.
Oh and btw: Rumor has it, that The Knife’s Olof Dreijer is working on a new electronic Opera that will premier at Berghain very soon.
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by Frank | Music
