DomStufen-Festspiele in Erfurt 1997
From all directions, the Kyrie rings out – individual voices overlapping, each trying to outshine the other. The chaotic chorus is interrupted by a young man with a guitar. He praises God with a “simple song.” As the celebrant, he teaches God’s word. At first, the group of young people is filled with faith. But soon, doubts begin to surface – about the deeper meaning of belief, even about the existence of God. Faith is questioned, ultimately giving way to cynical resistance. What does the confession of guilt truly mean? “If I could, I would confess…” And did He really become human? “Did Jesus become man? He knew he would rise from the dead.”
At first, the celebrant still manages to hold the community together in faith. But gradually, he loses their trust – he can no longer help them. The protest against the evils of the world grows louder and more desperate. During Dona nobis pacem, the celebrant feels overwhelmed by the weight of his task. Gripped by doubt and in a moment of madness, he destroys the sacred sacraments – the chalice and the monstrance – and tears off his priestly robes. A stunned silence falls. The celebrant becomes one among many again, just as at the beginning. Then, a boy begins to sing the “simple song” once more – now a secret song. In their search for God, all voices unite again in a final choral hymn.
Premiere / August 9, 1997
Cast
Boy Steffen Barkawitz, Kai Pudack | Preacher Luis Lay | Soprano Solo Astrid Weber | Baritone Solo Frank Schiller | Mezzo-Soprano Solo Anna Haase | 1st Rock Singer Timo Korsa | 2nd Rock Singer Michael Jokisch | 3rd Rock Singer Jörg Rathmann | 1st Blues Singer Luis Lay | 2nd Blues Singer Uwe Oberthür | Blues Singer Anna Haase | Street Chorus: Erfurt Theater Opera Choir, Erfurt Theater Ballet Ensemble