The open-air orchestration “Ode to Democracy” celebrating the 175th anniversary of the Paulskirche constitution combines lyrical texts, music and the moving interplay of light, air and water to create a spectacle with great public appeal.
To give the important topic a festive setting and at the same time make the abstract concept of democracy tangible in several locations.
A holistic open-air orchestration together with citizens and artists.
Skills
Overall concept, design, production
What constitutes democracy? What values do democrats represent? What are the challenges, what are the opportunities of democracy? These questions are the focus of the open-air productions “Ode to Democracy” and “Grove of Freedom”, which are being realised on the occasion of the 175th anniversary of the first freely elected National Assembly in Frankfurt am Main. The various performances make it possible to witness the essence of democracy as a holistic experience. In lyrical texts, music, animations and the interplay of light, air, water, people and buildings as a canvas. A primary goal from the beginning: to involve citizens directly in the implementation. The creative process is supported by the artist duo “HIS” Katharina Zorn and the actress Jasna Fritzi Bauer, as well as the musician Chima.
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"The active participation of citizens was a key concern for us. Citizens were invited and encouraged to contribute their ideas and thoughts on democracy to all measures. Therefore, we designed the creative process to be deliberately open, participatory and inclusive. The open-air events reflect this multi-faceted image of democracy."
Nikolaus von Hanstein
Editorial Team
The installation “Ode to Democracy” transforms the river Main into a stage for tens of thousands of people on two consecutive evenings. Three 25-metre wide and 10-metre high projection surfaces are formed from the water of the river. 75 spotlights create texts and images on the theme of democracy in bright colours on the water walls. In addition, poems and music are played.
The performance intentionally relies on the moving, immaterial interplay of water, wind and light. The partly fragmentary, transparent projections make the essence of democracy, including values such as freedom and openness, sensually tangible. Buildings, water and people merge into one canvas and, together with the music, create a holistic, immersive experience.
One of the highlights of the live show of the evening is the multi-voiced “Choir of Freedom”. A choir composed of citizens from different backgrounds and age groups who have answered the public call “Your face for democracy”. Their faces are projected onto the water fountains to Chima's specially composed song.
The brilliant finale is a choreographic colour festival of flags. The projection begins with the white peace flag over the flags of the people from 178 nations living in Frankfurt am Main and ends with a colourful world flag.
The premiere of the entire production is broadcasted live on Hessischer Rundfunk.
The live show on the river Main is complemented by a lyrical presentation on the Paulsplatz. With the call “We are looking for your poem”, citizens were invited to participate. “Everyone can join in – every word counts – all languages are welcome” is the context of the call. Curated by the artist duo HSI, the “Grove of Freedom” is created from all the entries. Over 400 poems, printed on black, red and gold ribbons, decorate 43 sycamore trees. In the darkness, the Paulskirche is additionally illuminated with projections, excerpts of the poems.