The horror and cruelty of World War II should trigger reflection on ways to avoid them in the future. What is the genesis of such events? What brought fascism to life?Hans-Jürgen Syberberg's works arises from an analysis of the interdependence and mutual influences of art and politics.
The exhibition of his pieces at the Teatr Wielki – Polish National Opera has been put together in association with the Goethe Institute and the Centre of Contemporary Art Znaki Czasu in Toruń, Poland. It marks the Warsaw Wagner Days, along with the premiere of Lohengrin, a retrospective of five films at the Iluzjon, and a concert of Wagner's songs.
Syberberg is a continuator of Wagner's concept of a total work of art that blends music, theatre, poetry, image, and movement. He expressed himself through writing screenplays, directing, cinematography, set design, editing, music directing, and animating puppets he himself made.
The artist saw to every detail of the exhibition himself with great care and precision; he also attended the opening. The outcome is a Gesamtkunstwerku embracing videos, films, and extensive installations involving puppets, unique costume designs, props and elements of scenography from Syberberg's private collections. On display are also puppets of Wagner, Hitler, Eva Braun, Goebbels, and Himmler. Visitors can watch Syberberg's films "Parsifal" and "Hitler: A Film From Germany”. The most sensational perhaps is a plush dog mascott with the Führer's head.
