The Concept of Gesamtkunstwerk as the Basis of Ulrich Rasche’s Creativity

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to outline the features of the creative activity of the German director Ulrich Rasche through the prism of the category of gesamtkunstwerk and to identify the specifics of its use by the director within the framework of modern theatrical aesthetics. Research methodology. The method of terminological analysis, the method of typological analysis, the method of art historical and directorial analysis, as well as the method of theoretical generalisation were applied. Scientific novelty. For the first time in Ukrainian art history, the creative activity of the modern German director Ulrich Rasche is considered. The productions of “The Robbers” by F. Schiller (2016), “Wojciech” by G. Büchner (2018), “Diary of Memory” by A. Christoph (2018), “Oedipus Rex” by Sophocles (2021), “Nathan the Wise” by G. Lessing (2023) through the prism of the gesamtkunstwerk category and the features of its interpretation by the director were revealed. Conclusions. Ulrich Rasche’s theatrical productions have their own identity, individual authorial intonation and unique creative style. U. Rasche’s approach to the use of choral art is used for grandeur, pathos, the creation of powerful images and sensory reset. Thus, the director allows the viewer to hear the texts in a new way, unfolding them before the viewer’s consciousness with the most accurate rhythmisation, inspiring and activating mental processes. The director gained wide popularity with his oratorio productions with stunning stage machinery. The study revealed that in Ulrich Rasche’s directorial concept, the ideas of Gesamtkunstwerk, which are implemented in a combination of elements of drama, specific narrative, scenography, music, technology, plastic, lighting, manifesto, artistic images into a holistic work of art correspond to the values and beliefs of the director in the context of understanding a work of theatrical art primarily as an instrument of possible social change. In the work of Ulrich Rasche, his visions and concepts, a unique transfiguration of the Wagnerian concept of a holistic work of art, ensuring the unity of theatrical space, simultaneity of the plot, dynamics and movement can be traced.