“A celebration of diversity.” “A spectacle for artists and musicians.” (FAZ Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung)
“Another merit of this marvelous production is overcoming the separation of high art and circus and raising awareness to the creative potential of the spectacular.” (Volker Milch, Wiesbadener Kurier)
“A brilliantly staged ending to a month of HEIM:SPIELE.” (hboscaiolo.blogspot.com)
In a sombre, pessimistic world of increasing electronic isolation, a nostalgic festival, celebrating encounters and diversity (Cabaret) instead of fearing them, becomes a refuge and distraction – or even a way out?
The evening ›Spectacle Spaces‹ with Ensemble Modern and a high-carat group of international cabaret stars and artistes impressively juxtaposes contemporary music and modern circus arts. The point of departure is Mauricio Kagel’s ›Concert-Spectacle‹ for artistes and musicians which reverses the rules of classical cabaret: the music is not random accompaniment for staged attractions; instead, it determines the cabaret programme according to musical criteria.
Taking this as his point of departure, the Argentinean composer Martin Matalon has created a new composition which will have its world premiere on this evening. His music is constructed like parts of a puzzle with different geometry, colour, form and temporality, enabling the dancers and acrobats to interact as a counterpoint and projection of themselves.
In ›Spectacle Spaces‹, the Ensemble Modern musicians become a central and integral part of the artistic overall concept, based on the two scores. The contrast between contemporary music and astounding, entertaining cabaret arts is dissolved in a playful manner, questioning the borders between genres and formats: a spectacular evening full of enriching contrasts.
(Ensemble Modern)
Spectacle Spaces started with the Ensemble Modern wanting to do Mauricio Kagel´s „Varieté“ with the participation of circus artists, as part of their HEIM:SPIELE festival in cooperation with the Frankfurt Opera.
Since Robin Witt, son of Ensemble Modern´s founder and first managing director Karsten Witt, is an internationally renowned circus artist, it made sense to ask for his help with this project. He grew up with the Ensemble Modern and in the world of “high art”, yet is based in the entertainment sector professionally. He had all the right contacts and was able to enhance communication on all sides, since he knows both worlds very well.
Witt asked Knut Gminder, one of the most influential vaudeville directors of our time, to participate. Together they managed to secure a high caliber cast. (Quote Gminder: Usually you would be happy to get one of these artists as a final act, but they all said yes!) Some of those artists include former Cirque Du Soleil artists and two award winning artists at the „Cirque De Demain“ festival in Paris (physical comedian Tom Murphy and juggler Vladik Miagkostoupov). All participants show a special connection to music. Some regularly perform as musicians, others compose or produce music.