Riom. Winter 2022. Bild/Photo: www.origen.ch.

Empress Irene on the Julier Pass

Empress Irene of Byzantium (752-803) is the protagonist of the new musical theatre in the Julier Tower (Julierturm) on the Julier Pass in the canton of Grisons.

She was one of the most enigmatic and powerful female rulers of the early Middle Ages. With intrigue, diplomatic skills and a sense of power, she remained on the Byzantine throne for decades. Many legends have grown up around this empress.

Giovanni Netzer’s new play searches for the person behind the empress and the myth. It questions power and tells the story of a remarkable woman. An interdisciplinary company of actors, soloists from the Hamburg Ballet and singers from the Origen Ensemble are on stage.

Performances are on 8, 9, 18, 19, 25, 26 and 27 February in the Julierturm on the Julier Pass.

The musical winter programme offers recitals and concert series at the Clavadeira in Riom. Maximilian Vogler, Marian Dijkhuizen and Alena Sojer will perform the chamber music evenings.

The performances are on 4, 12, 13, 15, 22 and 23 February.

Brahms’ “German Requiem” is scheduled for early April.

Pre-sales for the performances will begin on Thursday 13 January.

(Further information: www.origen.ch).