Creating the World of People of Song

Jason Kooper (private source)

Namibian-German colonial history in the form of European opera? In September 2023, Momentbühne e.V. proved that opera is far more than just complicated coloraturas and has the potential of addressing historical wounds. Now we are onto the next project: People of Song premiered in October 2025 in Windhoek and is currently traveling to Germany. Revolving around a stolen object, People of Song tells the story of generational trauma and the struggle to find an expression for it.

Co-director and dramaturg Jason Kooper gives all the insider info about the development process.

After a successful premiere in Namibia this October, People of Song now travels to Germany. As we prepare for its staging at the Humboldt Forum and the Metropol Theater, we’d like to take you behind the scenes, into the world of the play and the creative minds who shaped its visual language.

Costume Design

Namibia is home to vibrant cultures and traditions. Upon learning that People of Song represents four different cultural groups, costume designers Naomi Kalenga and Marsha Kaffer set out to explore what displacement and identity might look like through clothing.

Their research took them deep into the histories and aesthetics of these cultures. For the main characters Aniros, Ouma, and Tsaudago, all from the Damara community, they drew inspiration from the Damara’s distinctive patchwork craft. Aniros, whose name means bird in Khoekhoegowab (a language spoken by both the Nama and Damara people), wears a costume adorned with feathers  a symbolic gesture toward her yearning for freedom and flight.

The ensemble represents the Oshiwambo, Ovaherero, and Kavango communities. Each performer’s costume incorporates authentic cultural elements, creating a visual tapestry that celebrates Namibia’s diversity while reflecting the play’s themes of memory and belonging.

Stage Design

The visual world of People of Song was jointly created by Gretl Kautzsch (Germany) and Jonathan Ngonyi (Namibia). The stage makes extensive use of boxes — simple yet transformative elements that serve multiple purposes throughout the performance.

The design process began with workshops in Windhoek and Berlin, where students collaborated under the guidance of the set designers and Kim Mira Meyer. Together, they explored Namibian cultural identity and colonial history, drawing inspiration from everyday objects such as the Eititi (a traditional bowl for serving food), the Calabash (used to store water and milk), neck beads from the Oshiwambo culture (symbols of femininity), the walking stick used by Herero men, the beaded skirt, Kavango drums, and the Sei-sab. These cultural objects later take centre stage in the play’s second act.

The discussions during the development process touched on German colonial history, cultural appropriation, and the complex relationship between Namibian artefacts and German museums.

Jonathan describes the idea of the boxes as a solution to create adaptable, reusable set pieces,  “almost like Lego blocks.” These modular structures can be rearranged to form different environments, reducing the need for multiple sets while keeping the stage dynamic and alive.

In the second act, these boxes become containers of memory: German character Hermann searches through countless crates in pursuit of a single artefact. A scene inspired by archival footage of the Humboldt Forum, showing hundreds of forgotten boxes in vast storage halls.

Lighting Design

The lighting design brings the world of People of Song to life. Under the skilled hands of Marcus Wenk and Laura Nickel, light becomes both a storyteller and an emotional guide. Through precise cues and shifts in tone, they shape the atmosphere of each scene — from intimate moments to the play’s most striking visual surprises.

Upcoming Performances

People of Song will have its premiere in Germany at the Humboldt Forum Berlin on 21st, 22nd, and 23rd November, followed by a performance at the Metropol Theater Bremen on 27th November.

For tickets and more details, visit momentbuehne.com.

Join us for an unforgettable journey through song, memory, and the shared histories that connect us all.