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On Friday night, activists from the environmental movement “Last Generation” induced a wave of disturbance at the opening of the Salzburg Festival, a prestigious assembly of opera and theater. Three militants intercepted a theatrical performance with a vociferous protest against climate change. As for the festival program, it promises to be eventful.
“Tipping points” was the poignant phrase they proclaimed before they were escorted out of the auditorium by security personnel. The term is a reminder of the critical temperature thresholds that, if crossed, could catalyze an irreversible cycle of global warming. The disruption occurred during the performance of Jedermann (Everyman), an allegory on the Last Judgment penned by Viennese poet Hugo von Hofmannsthal (1874–1929). The piece is an integral part of the history of the Salzburg Festival, a tradition in this Austrian city since 1920.
Worth noting is that the director of this edition, Michael Sturminger, had expressly chosen to highlight the impact of climate change. Pseudo-activists even appeared on stage at the start of the performance, as reported by the APA (Austria Press Agency). Among the activists was Stefan Kogler-Sobl, a 25-year-old social worker and theater enthusiast. He shared his motivations, stating that the decision to take action “was not an easy one for him”. He vehemently criticizes the indifference of the elite and political inaction in the face of climate change.
Stefan, who is a member of the ecological collective, confessed that his decision to partake in the activist action “was not without inner conflict.” In a heartfelt statement, he asked, “But what other choices are left to me? The affluent care only for their prosperity, and our political leaders display an unsettling inertia.”
Last Generation: Civil Disobedience for the Climate
The activist group “Last Generation” (“Letzte Generation”), having significant visibility in Germany and Austria, intensifies its civil disobedience actions with the aim of prodding authorities to bolster their fight against climate change. On several occasions, the activists have employed audacious methods to make their voices heard, such as sticking their hands to the asphalt of main thoroughfares to halt traffic or projecting various substances onto artwork in museums. These initiatives, though controversial, exhibit their resolve to raise awareness among the public and the authorities about grave climate issues.
Salzburg Festival 2023: A Theatrical Melange of Opera, Music, and Drama
The world’s most prestigious festival of opera, music, and theater, the Salzburg Festival, returns this summer from July 20 to August 31, promising a captivating mix of classical renditions, globally recognized artists, and an expansive youth-oriented program.
A Summer of Thrilling Performances
In its diverse lineup, the Salzburg Festival offers an impressive 179 performances across 43 days, spread out over 15 different venues. Opera enthusiasts can look forward to Mozart’s “Le Nozze di Figaro,” as well as Verdi’s “Macbeth” and “Falstaff.” The drama segment boasts the renowned play “Jedermann,” along with Lessing’s “Nathan the Wise.” The concert section, aside from the Spiritual Opening titled “Lux aeterna,” features performances by top-tier orchestras and soloists, promising to captivate audiences.
Opera: A Dive Into the Depths of Human Existence
At the heart of the 2023 opera productions lie profound works of art addressing existential human questions, unafraid of delving into deep and dark themes. Beyond Mozart’s Figaro and Verdi’s operas, “Macbeth” and “Falstaff,” the lineup includes Bohuslav Martinů’s “Greek Passion” and a reprisal of the Pentecost Festival’s “Orfeo ed Euridice.” Three concertante works complete the opera series.
Theater: A Mélange of New and Classic Productions
The 2023 program places Hugo von Hofmannsthal’s “Jedermann” at the heart of its drama segment. This year, particular attention will be paid to Michael Maertens, the new actor stepping into the titular role, and Valerie Pachner, the newcomer tackling the dual roles of Buhlschaft and Death. Anticipation builds for the performance of “Nathan the Wise” on Perner Island in Hallein and the premiere of Michael Haneke’s “Love.” Alongside readings and a film series, the festival will stage a dramatization of local author Mareike Fallwickl’s novel “The Rage, The One That Remains.”
Concerts: A Who’s Who of Classical Music
The 2023 concert program reads like a who’s who of the classical music world: the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, the Mozarteum Orchestra, the Camerata Salzburg, and maestros like Christian Thielemann, Igor Levit, Riccardo Muti, and Franz Welser-Möst are only some of the highlights in a high-caliber line-up. The “Guest Orchestras” series kicks off with the SWR Symphony Orchestra, followed by the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Recitals, chamber and church music concerts, as well as the “Spiritual Opening” and Mozart Matinées, further enrich the 2023 summer program.
Youth Program: “jung & jeder*r”
The youth program for summer 2023 consists of 34 performances. In addition to musical theater and drama, an extensive educational program is in place. Unique initiatives like “Festival Sponsorships” allow seasoned festival visitors to introduce teenagers and young adults to the festival universe. The “Opera Camps” for children and youngsters aged 9 to 17 are particularly popular. In this regard, the festival promises an enriching journey for the youth, broadening their horizons in the world of performing arts.
With AFP
