Chief Hijangua
by Eslon Hindundu
Libretto Nikolaus Frei
Die erste Oper Namibias
Künstler*innen aus Namibia und Deutschland wollen die gemeinsame Geschichte aufarbeiten und so eine neue, offene und positive Haltung zueinander gewinnen.
Wie alles begann
2019 lernten sich Kim Mira Meyer und Eslon Hindundu während ihrer Zusammenarbeit beim Opernfestival Immling in Bad Endorf kennen. Kim Mira Meyer arbeitete als Regieassistentin und Spielleitung und Eslon Hindundu als Sänger und Chorleiter. In dieser Zeit entstand die Idee, ein Opernprojekt zwischen den beiden Ländern zu gründen.
Seit dem Kennenlernen bauen Eslon Hindundu und Kim Mira Meyer eine Kooperation zwischen Windhoek / Namibia und München / Deutschland auf, um den künstlerischen Austausch für Musik, Tanz und Schauspiel zu ermöglichen. Unter dem Dach „Opera Namibia“ entstanden und entstehen verschiedene Projekt
Die Handlung der Oper
Die Story der Oper beruht auf einer seit Generationen mündlich überlieferten namibischen Erzählung. Es geht um einen namibischen Prinzen auf der Suche nach sich selbst.
Gesungen in Deutsch und Otjiherero und Hautfarben unabhängig besetzt, werden Künstler:innen aus Namibia, Südafrika und Deutschland die Geschichte eines Mannes erzählen, der durch die Manipulation von kolonialistischen Kräften seine eigene und die Lebensgrundlage seines Volkes zerstört. Eine Analogie zu den bis Heute hineinwirkenden Verwerfungen durch den Kolonialismus.
Nikolaus Frei, Librettist
COLLECTIVE VOICES
“The unfolding of the project has been an exciting journey and I am honoured to be a part of it - the future of the Namibian music industry looks bright!” – Natasha Ndjiharine
“I am a professional opera singer, coach, adjudicator and voice-over artist who is based in Cape Town. I perform the role of Chief Hangane in this all-new Namibian opera. Working in Namibia has its challenges but it has been good thus far.” – Monde Masimini
“I am a soprano from Germany and I am singing the role of “Matijua”. It is a big honour for me, to be part of this project, to learn more about German-Namibian history and to connect with musicians from different countries through music, which is a very moving process for me.” – Henrike Henoch
“I’m a professional Opera singer singing the role of Jackal and Major. I’m enjoying my time here in Namibia so far my experience has been lovely and I intend to gain more experience in this beautiful country.” – Rheinaldt Tshepo Moag
“My role in the opera is a German pastor who turns out to be a master manipulator in the Opera. Working with Opera Namibia has presented a few challenges with general professionalism, but it has been interesting learning about the culture in general.” – Yonwaba Mbo
“It has been an adventurous and exciting journey to work on the Chief Hijangua role and an absolute pleasure to be part of the Opera Namibia.” – Sahkiwe Mksoana
“Behind the premiere are people full of creativity, conviction and courage who have developed “Chief Hijangua” as a cooperative international team and who, thanks to diverse support, are able to present the opera to you today.” – Anja Panitz
“The journey to bringing Opera Namibia to life is definelty one for the books, working with an international team with over 100 people from all nationalities has not only been a joy but has allowed me to grow tramendously in my expertise.” – Gloria Nehoya
“Theatre was where my creative career started before venturing into film. Working on ‘Chief Hijangua’ has brought me full circle.”
– Micheal Pulse
“I am a stage designer and co-founder of the “f.e.t.t.kollektiv” for which I have been creating site-specific play structures since 2020. Together with Tanya I am designing and realizing the stage design for Opera Namibia. I find it most invigorating and fascinating to create this opera experienceover distance within a collective mind.” – Felicia Riegel
“YAMWE is behind the costume design of the Opera Namibia project. They have worked with various stylists and productions in the Namibian creative industry.” – Twapewa Amutenya
“Curiosity. Collaboration. Camaraderie. ‘Chief Hijangua’ has offered me a unique opportunity to explore together with fellow artists to create this significant work that is testament to a personal and collective experience.” – Tanya Turipamwe Stroh