Staats-theater

In this evocative production of „Staatstheater“ 1978) by Mauricio Kagel, I had the privilege of designing costumes for the contemporary music ensemble Consord.

Berlin-based director Gineke Pranger reimagined Kagel’s visionary work through a contemporary lens, asking thought-provoking questions about its meaning today and even further into the future. Together with dancer Josephine Kalies who masterfully choreographed and performed alongside the ensemble, the production brought to life an archaic yet forward-looking community—one existing in the speculative era of the post-anthroposcene.

The stage design was rooted in themes of nature as well as the climate crisis, informed my creative direction. Inspired by the rawness and resilience of natural elements, I selected predominantly natural fabrics with soft finishes and textured, organic visual qualities. A restrained color palette of whites and beige tones underscored the primal simplicity and timelessness of the aesthetic.

To convey the group’s vulnerability in a hostile environment, I designed and handcrafted functional protective elements, including knee-pads, elbow-guards and shoe-covers, merging practicality with symbolism. These details emphasized the harsh realities of survival in an uncertain future.

The production premiered in Düsseldorf in the industrial yet intimate setting of the former car workshop ES365. Subsequent performances took place Theater im Pumpenhaus in Münster and Berlin’s atmospheric Delphitheater I am very grateful to the Oper am Rhein in Düsseldorf for their generous support, granting me access to their extensive costume archive, which enriched my creative process immeasurably.