Rǫk
PROJECTION MAPPING
Teatro Massimo – Palermo | IT
A tribute to Graham Vick, a renowned figure in the realm of theatrical production.
To celebrate the opening of Richard Wagner’s Götterdämmerung, directed by the visionary Graham Vick, a new visual landscape emerged on the façade of Palermo’s opera house. “Rǫk” brings to life an abstract embodiment of the myth’s spirit, depicting the fabric of a divine kingdom on the brink of collapse, with real-world references seamlessly integrated into the composition.
Emphasised by the solemnity of the site, “Rǫk” reconciles past and present, classicality and innovation, within an eye-catching contrast. A curtain opens to a bright realm of limitless imagination, with Arthur Rackham’s illustrations springing to life through generative aesthetics. Glowing symbols and supernatural light shows evoke the defining elements of Norse mythology, while different media languages converge along the path towards the “universal artwork”.
Setting the stage in a public space invites the audience to become part of the chorus through emotional engagement, aligning with Wagner’s idea of societal involvement in the arts. The work, structured into three acts, pays homage to the genius behind the composition of Götterdämmerung. In a modern revival of Musikdrama, the potency of the myth discovers fresh modes of expression in a timeless audiovisual spectacle celebrating the mystery of human existence.
rǫk | L’ATTESA
The atmosphere is tense, and the sense of waiting is overwhelming as the gods, aware of their impending doom, bide their time in a world on the brink of chaos. This chapter delves into the emotions and motivations characterising these divine beings, exposing the human-like vulnerabilities that connect them to mortals.
rǫk | IL RITUALE
The second chapter delves into the intricate web of rituals, prophecies, and ceremonies that revolve around the existence of the gods. A suggestive atmosphere recalls the concept of ritual beyond its mystical and magical sense, placing it in a broader context of societal norms and behaviours. This chapter examines how rituals shape identity, power dynamics, and the very fabric of reality, blurring the lines between the divine and the mundane.
rǫk | IL GIUDIZIO
The final chapter, titled “Judgment,” unfolds the climax of Götterdämmerung, where the musical crescendo and the ritual enactment lead to a grand and catastrophic reckoning. Themes such as cosmic justice, moral accountability, and the consequences of actions take centre stage. This resolution serves as a thought-provoking conclusion, leaving the audience to contemplate the nature of power, divinity, and the cyclical patterns of creation and destruction.
THE URBAN SPACE
The Teatro Massimo is one of Europe’s largest and most prestigious opera houses. During the projection of “Rǫk”, the theatre transforms into an interactive outdoor canvas, reaching out to audiences who may not be familiar with opera and engaging them in the experience. Art and culture become accessible to a broader public, forging a more participative and inclusive atmosphere.
The fragmented mood of the play temporarily impacts the neoclassical architectural masterpiece. The light distorts the façade, meandering through colonnades and illuminating the lion-shaped statues, an allegory of tragedy and opera. With its epic proportions, eclectic nature, and noble history, the structure skillfully contains the disruptive energies of Ragnarök.
CREDITS
Art Director – Animation
Animation
Soundtrack
Art Director – Animation Luca Pulvirenti
Animation Luigi Mignemi, Cristina Santangelo
Soundtrack Giancarlo Trimarchi
Luca Pulvirenti
Luigi Mignemi, Cristina Santangelo
Giancarlo Trimarchi