The Ruhrtriennale
For six weeks industrial locations in the Ruhr district will provide the venues for music theatre, theatre, music, dance and installation. An interview with new artistic director Johan Simons.
The Ruhrtriennale starts on 14 August, 2015. New artistic director Johan Simons has positioned the festival under the leitmotif “Seid umschlungen” / Be Embraced. Until 26 September visitors can view around 40 productions in seven different cities in the Ruhr district – some at one-time industrial sites such as disused coalmines. There will be many world premieres among them. Simons was previously director of the Münchener Kammerspiele. In his three-year term he has been inspired by the first director of the Ruhrtriennale, Gerard Mortier (2002), and offers cross-genre-productions from music theatre, theatre, music, dance and installation.
Mr. Simons, the motto for the Ruhrtriennale 2015 is reminiscent of Schiller and Beethoven’s ode “To Joy”. What exactly can visitors look forward to?
Our leitmotif is meant as a gesture of artistic, social and geographical inclusion, though things need not be only harmonious. Many productions address myths about creation, stories about the underworld, journeys into Hell. By opening with “Accattone” by Pasolini we are entering the world of the lumpen proletariat. We combine Wagner’s “Rheingold” with electronic music by Mika Vainio. Monteverdi’s “L’Orfeo” becomes a sinister journey for small groups of spectators. The theatre programme will include big adaptations from literature. We have many different choreographers working for us, and together with the Van Lieshout studio we will be creating an art village, a lively venue for performances over the six weeks. We will also establish a new Pop programme with good electronic music. To name just a small selection
You dream of an artistically united Europe. How do you practice this in the Ruhr Triennale?
We present artists from many nations along with their stories and ideas. Our programme features Belgian, Dutch, Polish, Finnish, Swiss, Greek, French and Italian directors, choreographers, directors and composers. We’re showing Polish and Dutch theatre productions in the original language with German surtitles. Generally, we are offering English surtitles for almost all productions so all the guests can understand something. And we are using many locations to create opportunities for discussions before and after the performances. The Ruhrtriennale is to be a festival of the arts and encounters.
Your love of unusual theatre locations is generally known; you have already used a car dump, circus tent and a greenhouse. Do you have any favourite venues at the Ruhrtriennale?
The raw ones that have not been revamped! Which is why we are opening in a completely new venue, the 210-metre long coal sorting plant at the Lohberg mine in Dinslaken. Not only the daylight plays a role in every performance, but also the history of the place.
If somebody can only visit one or two performances what is a must-see?
I don’t mean to boast, but our “Accattone” in Dinslaken is an absolute must. Because of the building, the brilliant theatre ensemble, Collegium Vocale, possibly the best Bach choir in the world, because of Philippe Herreweghe. And for those who prefer dancing, there’s “Ritournelle”, our big Festival night of electronic music with Caribou, The Notwist and many more. Ah, everything really!
Ruhrtriennale from 14 August to 26 September, 2015 in the Ruhr district
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