“Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act.”
Who is Dietrich Bonhoeffer?
Pastor, Teacher, Author, Ethicist, Prophet, Spy, Conspirator, Prisoner, Martyr.
“Tenebrae: The Passion of Dietrich Bonhoeffer” is a theatrical performance recalling the life of the German pastor who spoke out against the tyranny overtaking Germany on the day Adolph Hitler came to power. He spent the rest of his life struggling to be true to his faith while fighting against this oppression, secretly aiding Jews to escape Germany, and even joining the plot to assassinate Hitler. Eventually arrested, Bonhoeffer spent two years in prison and just a few days before the end of WWII, he was tried for treason and executed by the collapsing Nazi regime.
A music drama in 12 scenes
for baritone, mezzo soprano, chorus and chamber orchestra.
In "Tenebrae: The Passion of Dietrich Bonhoeffer” we relive the final moments of Bonhoeffer's journey, reflecting on his life and work through his letters, manuscripts and poetry. This one hour music drama is presented in 12 scenes and composed for adult and children’s choirs, soloists, narrator and chamber orchestra.
Produced by Orpheus Theatrical Group, LLC in cooperation with Triphammer Arts, with music composed by Hugh McElyea and produced by David Atchison.
“We must learn to regard people less in light of what they do or omit to do, and more in the light of what they suffer.”
The Performance
The Set: A cell in Tegel Prison, Berlin.
The Time: 1942-April 9th, 1945, …the day Bonhoeffer was executed by the Nazi regime.
The Story: The life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer leading up to the struggle to reconcile his faith with actions to end the Nazi regime.