Jesus Christ Superstar in Berlin – in the original orchestral version

Using the original full orchestral version in Timothy Roller’s new German translation (2023), the church district is staging a premiere:

This is the first time this work has been presented in its original version by a church organisation. The performance will take place on a stage designed specifically for the production at the Zum Vaterhaus church in Berlin-Baumschulenweg.

At the heart of the ensemble are young people aged between 13 and 30. After more than half a year of preparation, they will perform this world-famous work alongside professional musicians and amateur actors.

Students from the Musical Theatre programme at the Berlin University of the Arts have been cast in the leading roles of Jesus, Judas and Pilate. The project offers them the opportunity to take on leading roles in a major musical production for the first time.

The orchestra brings extensive professional stage experience to the production. Members of the band line-up were already involved in last season’s production by the Komische Oper Berlin at Tempelhof Airport. Other orchestra members are active in professional orchestras and ensembles in the capital, as well as in Babelsberg.

It is precisely this connection that lies at the heart of the district church’s project:

Young people are given the opportunity to perform on stage under professional musical, theatrical and technical conditions and to create a major musical production alongside experienced artists.

Professional artistic standards and educational work are closely intertwined in this context.

At the same time, the project aims to highlight new possibilities for church music work – particularly through collaboration with parish education.

It demonstrates how the church can open up spaces for young people to engage with contemporary music, theatre and artistic exploration, whilst bringing together different professions and generations.

In this way, church music transcends its traditional forms to become a space for cultural participation, shared creativity and high-calibre artistic work.