Nature isn't a decor anymore

While representing nature has always been an artistic challenge for both music and scenography, we now have to question the shows’ materiality (building materials, use of nature, carbon footprint, storage, recycling…), the development of their economy (funding, production, human relations…) and how Opera houses, as public spaces, might be reshaped in light of the environmental emergency (training of artists and performing arts professionals, mediations, relationships with audiences…). How does the industry, its professionals, its decision-makers, its history and its role in civil society envision the future of the opera sector in this climatic emergency era? Conferences, meetings and round tables are on the agenda of this now-annual event.

Since 2008 the seminars of the Opéra Comique have studied opera from various perspectives, fostering transdisciplinary exchanges and international views with two lines of research in mind: firstly, the theatre Troupe and staff, secondly, lyrical economy and creation trends. Two projects benefit from an annual renewal: Women’s visibility in lyrical history and Ecology in performing arts.