THE MYTH OF POSSESSION (MEXICO AURA)

 

Mexico Aura: The Myth of Possession is a performance that unfolds within the Berliner Humboldt Forum, a cultural space housing the Ethnological Museum. The Neuköllner Oper, known for its fusion of political and musical artistry, brings this project to life.

The production addresses the complex issues surrounding cultural preservation and appropriation. It's a collaborative work featuring texts by John von Düffel and Eva Hibernia and music composed by Diana Syrse, who also takes on several female vocal roles.

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The narrative explores different perspectives. John von Düffel's contribution delves into the story of Claas Relotius, a journalist infamous for fabricating reports. On stage, Relotius becomes a storyteller whose accounts, including tales of landfill hardships and ancient Maya rituals, are met with skepticism, challenging the audience's readiness to accept narratives that reinforce preconceived notions of foreign cultures.

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Eva Hibernia's scenes focus on the preservation and transformation of culture as they unfold in a museum setting. The narrative features a curator defending her commitment to collecting and preserving artifacts, raising questions about the merits of her stance in dialog with a Mexican artist who challenges her and brings her again back to her roots. In essence, "Mexico Aura: The Myth of Possession" offers a multifaceted exploration of cultural preservation, transformation, and the persistence of preconceptions, all set within a cultural venue that sparks dialogue about art, history, and the challenges of representing other cultures.

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The performance incorporates five dancers who interact with the narrative, guided by director and choreographer Christopher Roman. These elements, along with an evolving array of costumes, transform the stage from the initial depiction of a landfill to a thought-provoking conclusion where participants wear regal attire made from recycled materials.

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Libretto by Eva Hibernia and John von Düffel

Dramaturgy by Bernhard Glocksin and Albert Tola

Stage direction by Christopher Roman

Music by Diana Syrse

Musical direction/conductor Melissa Panlasigui

Costumes by Rebekka Dornhege Reyes

With Ana Schwedhelm, Diana Syrse and Justus Wilcken

With Ensemble Zafraan

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First performance by the Secession Orchestra conducted by Clément Mao-Takacs

Produced by the Neuköllner Oper and the Humboldt Forum Berlin

2019-2022

Published by RICORDI Berlin

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