The History of Sexuality Volume One by Michel Foucault: An Opera 2010

The History of Sexuality Volume One by Michel Foucault: An Opera 2010

Date: oct, 01. and 02., 20:30h
Venue: Tanzquartier Wien, Halle G

concept: Gregg Bordowitz, Paul Chan
direction & libretto: Gregg Bordowitz
performers: Siegmar Aigner, Alexander Braunsöhr, Didi Bruckmayr, Mara Mattuschka, Moravia Naranjo original costume
designs: Paul Chan costume
designer: Kristine Woods

The History of Sexuality Volume One by Michel Foucault: An Opera is a work-in-progress adopting the dramatic musical form to stage the major themes and philosophical insights of one of the most influential philosophers of the late twentieth century. In this adaption of Foucault´s great work, the philosopher will encounter one student, two rivals, and a sworn enemy - perhaps all of them are ghosts. Nothing less than a grand opera is required to stage the epochal theory of self-emancipation that is Michel Foucault´s unique legacy. The performance will be set against a backdrop drawn from Foucault´s biographical details; including his activism on behalf of prisoners´ rights, and his death from AIDS.
Let\'s face it - an opera based on philosophy books is ridiculous. And yet, opera provides an emotional way to experience ideas. Maybe, through opera, we can explore how Foucault\'s ideas are meaningful and still relevant. By rendering the History of Sexuality as theatre, we give embodiment to words in posture and voice. Gesture and disposition become magnified. Significance is amplified. This version for Vienna is only a fragment of the entire epic to come. All three books will eventually be realized as opera.

copyright:
© Paul Chan