Comic opera before renovation

A new illustrated book (left) shows details such as a make-up box that is often used in the make-up shop Photo: Specker/Komische Oper

By Martina Hafner

On May 27, 2023, the photographer Heidi Specker and co-director Susanne Moser will present an illustrated book on the Komische Oper before the renovation, crumbling splendor with a lot of charm.

The furniture looks worn, the fringes on the velvet stools are falling off, the plaster is crumbling. The Komische Oper is about to be renovated; the last performance will be on June 10, 2023 in the main building on Behrenstrasse.

For this occasion, photo artist Heidi Specker photographed many details in the auditorium, but also in the workshops and corridors, and compiled them in her photo book “Komische Oper Portrait” (28 euros). Now she is presenting her work with co-director Susanne Moser.

The many detailed pictures, which also document the daily work behind the scenes, result in a loving look at the dilapidated theatre.

The house was last extensively renovated in the 1960s, now it is to be completely renovated by around 2027 and a new building next door will be added. Costs so far: almost 440 million euros.

Book launch Saturday, May 27, 2023, 4:30 p.m., Behrenstr. 55-57, free entry, tickets available at the box office

Subjects:

Illustrated book Komische Oper New building, renovation of the theatre

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