Μυστήριο 14 - Human Requiem in Eleusis

Mystery 14
HUMAN REQUIEM IN ELEUSIS
performing arts


Directed by Jochen Sandig | Choreographed by Sasha Waltz

With the participation of 65 members of Rundfunkchor Berlin Choir

Eleusis archaeological site
29, 30 September & 1 October 2023

Mystery 14 HUMAN REQUIEM IN ELEUSIS, the much-awaited site-specific performance of 2023 Eleusis European Capital of Culture, directed by Jochen Sandig and choreographed by Sasha Waltz, with the participation of the 65-member Berlin Radio Choir (Rundfunkchor Berlin), will be coming to the Eleusis archaeological site from 29 September until 1 October.
 
The ancient Eleusinian Mysteries are the starting point of this site-specific re-creation of Human Requiem based on the German Requiem by Johannes Brahms. This transcendental musical work is reflecting the same existential questions like the legendary Eleusinian Mysteries which have been celebrated for more than 1.500 years in ancient times.
 
Mystery 14 HUMAN REQUIEM IN ELEUSIS is not a mass for the dead but a ritual to celebrate life: a memento mori transforming into a carpe diem. The aim of the production is the experience of a collective catharsis based on the recognition that our mortality unites all humans in one fate. German director Jochen Sandig has developed together with choreographer Sasha Waltz and visual artist Brad Hwang and more artistic partners - for Rundfunkchor Berlin the concept of a ritualistic performance and immersive experience of the Brahms Requiem.

Concept - Direction: Jochen Sandig
Dramaturgy - Choreography: Sasha Waltz
Scenography: Brad Hwang
Lighting Design: Jörg Bittner
Sound Design: Holger Schwark
Film Documentation: Stephan Talneau
 
Rundfunkchor Berlin
Conductor: Gijs Leenaars
Co-conductor: Justus Barleben

Singers: Marlis Petersen (soprano), Benjamin Appl (baritone), Angela Gassenhuber & Philip Mayers (piano) and 65 members of the Rundfunkchor Berlin

Artistic collaboration / Repetition: Davide Camplani, Claudia de Serpa Soares, Ilka Seifert

Dancers: Clémentine Deluy (Demeter), Claudia de Serpa de Soares (Persephone), Virgis Puodziunas (Hades)
 
Dates: Friday 29, Saturday 30 September & Sunday 1 October
Venue: Eleusis archaeological site (Sotiriou Gkioka, Elefsina (view map here)
Arrival time: 18:30
Tickets: 25€ general admission, 15€ reduced price (students, 65+, unemployed, disabled persons and escorts)
(Ticket price includes access to the archaeological site)

Ticket presales start on 14 September: ticketservices.gr and at the Old Town Hall of Elefsina from 29 September to 1 October.

Age guidance: 14+ years old
Eleusis archaeological site cannot be accessed by mobility vehicles.

A co-production of 2023 Eleusis European Capital of Culture, World Human Forum, the Foreign Office of the Federal Republic of Germany, Rundfunkchor Berlin in collaboration with Sasha Waltz & Guests, Radialsystem Berlin.

With the support of the Ephorate of Antiquities of West Attica

Accessing Elefsina
# 21klm

Just 21 km from the centre of Athens, one of the most important sacred cities of antiquity, the city of the Eleusinian Mysteries and birthplace of Aeschylus, Elefsina is the fourth European Capital of Culture hosted in Greece. The city can be accessed in the following ways:
 
By car or motorbike via Attiki Odos or from Athinon Avenue, just 25 minutes from the centre of Athens
By bus (lines 845 and 871 from Piraeus, 876 from "Ag. Marina" metro station, and 878 from Acharnes)
By suburban train ("Magoula" stop and then by bus 863)
By intercity coach ("Megara - Nea Peramos - Elefsina" line, starting from Asomaton Square in Thiseio)