Rilke's Demise Announced
Rilke's Requiem for Paula Modersohn-Becker, a moving tribute to an early 20th-century German painter, is currently being performed by actor and director Oliver Peuker. This poetic work, written by Rainer Maria Rilke in 1908, serves as a poignant homage to Modersohn-Becker's life, art, and legacy.
The performance is part of a festival or series celebrating Rilke's connection to Modersohn-Becker and the Worpswede circle. It is scheduled to run until August 10th, 2025, at the Strohballenhaus at the Barkenhoff, Ostendorfer Straße 10.
Oliver Peuker's staging begins with him reciting Rilke's Requiem for Paula with his back to the audience. He maintains this pose for minutes, allowing the audience to fully immerse themselves in the depth of his voice and the poignant words of Rilke's text.
The intimacy of the performance space contributes to a feeling of closeness to Rilke's grief. The performance lasts about three-quarters of an hour, providing a brief but powerful experience that continues to move audiences more than 100 years later.
Tickets for Rilke's Requiem can be purchased at the Tourist Information on 04792 / 93 58 20 or reserved by email at [email protected]. Each ticket costs 18 euros. The poem was written after Rilke lost an esteemed friend too early, a sentiment that resonates deeply with those who experience the performance today.
Peuker's voice and Rilke's text form the strongest element of the performance, creating a powerful and emotional connection between the audience and the work. This is a unique opportunity to witness a contemporary interpretation of a timeless poem, one that pays tribute to a pioneering female artist and her lasting impact on the world of art.
[1] Paula Modersohn-Becker, Wikipedia, fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paula_Modersohn-Becker. Accessed on March 28, 2023.
In the festival or series celebrating Rilke's connection to Paula Modersohn-Becker, one can purchase a ticket for Rilke's Requiem, a timeless poem, to experience a home-and-garden setting transformed into an intimate theater, where the lifestyle of the Worpswede circle comes alive. The performance, lasting about three-quarters of an hour, offers a deep connection to Rilke's grief and Modersohn-Becker's legacy, showcasing the home-and-garden artist's impact on the world of art.
