Walden (Heiner Goebbels) with Solistenensemble Kaleidoskop

As part of “20 Jahre Radialsystem”, we bring “Walden” by Heiner Goebbels to Berlin, almost 20 years after its premiere. Directed by Heiner Goebbels, it features Keir Neuringer as narrator, with Ensemble Klang and Solistenensemble Kaleidoskop.

Inspired by the writing of Henry David Thoreau from the 19th Century, the work explores themes of solitude, nature, and radical simplicity, contrasting urban life with the search for harmony with nature. In a new version of the work, which was originally composed in 1998, Ensemble Klang’s unique sound is combined with strings from Solistenensemble Kaleidoskop, specially designed lighting by Marc Thein, and sound design by Micha de Kanter. For one hour, unique instruments (including a steel cello and a “daxophone”) are placed alongside nine lively, poetic texts, creating a vivid contemporary reflection on the human relationship with nature in this powerful work.