OK people, who out there is really au fait with the concept and context of Opera? Well, I would suggest doing a bit of Google and Wikipedia before delving into a very experimental semi-doc musical tapestry that manifests itself in the new left-field documentary THE MAKING OF BLOND.
In the course of just over an hour, Berlin cross media art collective Chez Company with co-directors Gesine Dankwahrt and Fabian Kuehlein journey in out of semi-consciousness and psyche whilst following the lives and performance world of composers Thomas Kurstner and Sebastian Vogel, coupled with Deutsche Oper tenors Burkhard Ulrich and Jorg Schorner, attempt to get to the heart of what it means to exist in the operatic template whilst in the process attempting to discover a more deep refinement on why they are doing what they do.
The backdrop is a mix of rehearsal and analysis of various ideas and concepts (trust me, there isn’t really a set narrative, just a series of random sequences and even more random thoughts from the participants!). However, on occasion, there is some enlightenment to the less-converted passionates when it comes to opera (of which I am one of that demographic) where we get a sense of context about what opera can truly be defined as.
This is where the film is a lot more involving and enjoyable than the more experimental elements of the film that leave the audience disjointed on occasion but still provide enough chaotic reflection throughout the work to observe what is going on. From what I understand, the intention is to create a truly experimental and existential experience for both the artist and audience, utilising all manner of external and internal ideas whilst using opera as a start-off point to segue into all manner of conceptual performance.
The documentary attempts to touch on the very topical at present idea of gender and equality, through in theatre interviews and reflections from the participants. If you are very involved and passionate about opera as an art-form, then this film will be more rewarding. If not, then perhaps research as first mentioned will be the best starting point.
THE MAKING OF BLOND plays as part of the Berlin Independent Film Festival 2024. For more on the festival, please go to:
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