Der Kaiser von Atlantis
Animated video sequences for the opera piece “Der Kaiser Von Atlantis”, premiered at Kammeroper Wien in January 2017. The 7 animated videos were used during the piece to introduce characters, animate the music intermezzos and support the narration with evocative imagery.
My most sincere gratitude goes to the director Rainer Vierlinger and set designer Susanna Boehm for inviting and guiding me through this beautiful production. Many thanks also to the whole production team and the amazing interpreters.
“DER KAISER VON ATLANTIS”
Play in one act (1943)
Music by Viktor Ullmann
Libretto by Peter Kien
Production of Theater an der Wien in der Kammeroper
The composer Viktor Ullmann was deported to Theresienstadt concentration camp in 1942 where, with the writer and painter Peter Kien, he created Der Kaiser von Atlantis. Although rehearsals had already been held, the opera, with its obvious references to Hitler and the madness of National Socialism, was never performed. Using allegory, Ullmann shows the senselessness of war: When the megalomaniac Emperor Overall announces the beginning of a war waged by everyone against everyone else, even Death protests and goes on strike. However, this immortality increasingly becomes a curse that can only be lifted by a sacrifice on the part of the emperor himself.
Conductor: Julien Vanhoutte
Director: Rainer Vierlinger
Set&Costume designer: Susanna Boehm
Video: Cosimo Miorelli
Light design: Franz Tscheck
Kaiser Overall: Matteo Loi
Der Tod: Dumitru Madarašan
Der Lautsprecher: Unnsteinn Árnason
Soldat / Harlekin: Julian Henao Gonzalez
Bubikopf, Ein Soldat: Frederikke Kampmann
Der Trommler: Anna Marshania
Orchestra: Wiener KammerOrchester
