Kein Licht

Two particles wander through space. Two particles? Perhaps they are also two musicians: the first and second violins. An absurd scenario. Voices A and B speak to each other, but they can't hear each other ... Without the words Fukushima or nuclear power being mentioned even once, “Kein Licht. (2011/2012/2017)” depicts a ghostly world after the nuclear disaster. The text by Elfriede Jelinek becomes the libretto of a world premiere musical performance at the Ruhrtriennale. Frenchman Philippe Manoury is composing a new musical theater work for actors, singers and a musical ensemble. The special feature: The music itself also becomes an uncontrollable element. Together with director Nicolas Stemann, Manoury is developing a new form in which pre-composed orchestral and electronic score modules are combined with live electronics that intervene in the modulation of the singers and actors - in real time. Music is verbalized and language is musicalized.

Directed by Nicolas Stemann, Kein Licht leans on a strong ensemble — Christina Daletska, Lionel Peintre, Sarah Sun — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about music titles of 2017.