Column “The Classic” (Episode 28): Countdown at the Komische Oper

Four more performances, then the curtain falls in the Komische Oper. For at least six years, the ensemble has to leave its original building in Mitte, which is in need of renovation. “Hamlet”, “Xerxes”, “La Cage aux Folles”, “Saul”, so the countdown goes, twice Handel, once French, once musical. And for those who don’t want to part at all, there will be a farewell party in the foyers after the final applause.

After that, the view is directed westwards: The Komische Oper will move into its interim quarters in the Schillertheater, but detours from Charlottenburg to the whole city are also planned. In September there will be Henze’s “Raft of the Medusa” in a hangar at Tempelhof Airport.

The hall will remain as it is

The renovation should go much better than it did at the State Opera, I am particularly looking forward to the fact that there will be an extension on Glinkastraße that will give the artists better working conditions. And will offer us viewers two ways to combine a visit to the opera with gastronomic delights. In the artist canteen, which will be open to the public, and in a roof restaurant with a panoramic view of Unter den Linden.

Incidentally, the heart of the Komische Oper, the historic auditorium from 1898, is to remain as it is known to the regular guests of the house. The neo-rococo ambience of the hall is only subjected to a thorough cleaning down to the last stucco angle.

For dogmatic reasons, however, the elegant fittings in the foyers had to be destroyed. Because the monument conservators only want to preserve the layers of historicism and the GDR, the mirrored walls by architect Stephan Braunfels are a thorn in their side. Because they are from 2005.

So on the garbage with it, decided the State Monuments Office. Everyone I know likes to spend their breaks in the enchanting Braunfels ambience. Instead, the original equipment from 1966 is to be restored. Anyone who still remembers them knows that there was real sadness here. So now we’re getting it back. Thank you too.