A Masque for the Multiverse

The production represents the importance of cultural diversity and the courage to rethink traditions. Eight musicians, three singers, and four performers create a vibrant reinterpretation of the historical masque tradition. Baroque music by William Lawes – composed for the court of Charles I – meets contemporary works by Shara Nova, whose compositions bridge the gap between pop culture and Baroque sound.


Despite the 400 years separating the composers, their works share similar themes: Both speak of transformation and identity.


In her opera "You Us We All," Shara Nova creates a fluid transition between the eras, allowing the Baroque allegories of "Hope, Love, and Death" to reflect on contemporary life issues. The texts challenge us to question our usual beliefs: "What is our life? What purpose does beauty serve these days?"


Inspired by the idea of the masque – a revolutionary and historically exceptional event at the English royal court under James I and Charles I – this tradition is transformed into a contemporary form.


The audience is invited to move freely within the performance space, develop their own perspectives on the events, and decide for themselves whether to be close to or distant from the performers – thus becoming an active participant in the event. With sensuality and irony, laborgras and CONTINUUM open a space for reflection and change.


"A Masque for the Multiverse" is part of the retrospective with which laborgras is celebrating its 25th anniversary in Berlin this year.