Welcome to Paradise Lost

Libretto by Falk Richter after Farid ud-Din Attar (G)

Major roles: colS,S,A,M,actor,T,B
minor roles: actors; performers
2(II=picc).1.2(II=bcl).1-1.0.1.0-perc(1):3tom-t/SD/BD/cym/susp.cym/vib/verrophone-strings(1.0.1.2.1)

Farid du-Din Attar’s The Conference of the Birds is one of the most important works of Persian literature from the 12th century. It tells the story of birds crossing seven valleys in search of a king. However, in the end they realise that together they themselves are this king and that they must determine their own destiny. In Falk Richter’s libretto, which dispenses with a linear plot, this path to enlightenment is applied to humankind, which cannot even cope with its own problems. The central theme is the climate catastrophe.

Birds from all over the world come together to find a king who will save their kingdom from chaos and destruction. The birds condemn our political, cultural, socio-economic and ecological failings and urge humans to embark on a journey of self-discovery and to reach a global agreement to finally change the circumstances – turbo-capitalism, climate change and the destruction of nature. A chorus consisting of young people give speeches and counter-speeches.

This creates a confrontation between the current bearers and beneficiaries of the self-destructive system, and the youth led protest movements that radically question their way of life. They are driven by the burning question of the possibility and impossibility of resistance against seemingly insurmountable conditions and how we could change these. What are we willing to give up? What do we lose? What do we gain in return?