An essential part of my backstage education I acquired by working early on for festivals and stages of all sorts. One of them was the opera festival in Salzburg. I did contribute to two new creations there, which was an exciting process to assist in, especially with the composers being present. This could at times be quite conflictual. It was an intense period of learning on the run, and being immersed in creative processes with musicians, singers, artists, designers, dancers.
It is incredible how many people are involved in an opera production, and while some enjoy the glamorous position in the spotlight, many stay unseen or nameless, even though their jobs are essential for a good working atmosphere: craftsmen, assistants, cleaning staff, drivers, secretaries, stage workers, costume sewists etc.
After 10 years of working in opera houses and touring with big productions, I decided to focus on smaller productions and venues, where one’s own impact is felt more clearly and where flexibly is at hand.
