Crossing Bridges

A single theme has been chosen for the European Opera Days 2010: “Crossing Bridges”. A theme which will certainly awaken many memories and associations – the more we think about it, the more we realise how deeply ingrained the symbol of the bridge is in our European history and cultures - and in our personal lives.

The symbol of the bridge, both as a physical reality as well as a philosophical concept, holds a wealth of cultural meanings.

Each physical bridge has its own story to tell: stories woven around its construction, often stories of demolition, of re-building and effort, linking it with the history of a city or a country.

The bridge is however also an abstract, philosophical concept. It can symbolize a voyage between two worlds, between two communities, represent an emotional link between two people, or the transition between the here and the nether world, between life and death. Imagining bridges reflects an attempt to join what is separated, to bring together differences, which would otherwise remain irreconcilable.

The bridge, together with water and land, is an ancient symbol, with a history so old it is difficult to trace back in time, and is a continual presence in our lives. Our common European folk tales and medieval stories often use it as a symbol of passage; a dangerous path to be taken- the courageous knight crosses it to rescue the “other” (often a beautiful princess…).

From a psychological perspective, knowing others means creating links, engaging in communication, “keeping touch”, crossing the bridge between the “self” and the “other” – and ultimately discovering oneself and one’s identity.

Travel has always fascinated mankind, represented both a necessity and a sometimes perilous adventure. Globalisation is inciting more and more people to leave one home for another far away. What does the symbol of the bridge mean for migrants - crossing cultures, changing languages? Is it necessary to choose the shore one belongs to? Can one remain, forever suspended, on the bridge in-between worlds?

But what does this have to do with opera? Why was this theme chosen for the European Opera Days?

Just imagine the fascination of a theme, which unites all our cultures through its collective symbolism anchored in our histories. A theme which, on the other hand, can reveal the wealth of Europe’s diversity, allowing each country, each opera house, to interpret it with their own cultural background and traditions.

But the choice of the theme “Crossing Bridges” is also a stimulating metaphor of the art of opera today - and of the opera house in your countries. Opera is not an art, which can or should stay within its own walls. It needs to reach out, to link to other art forms, to create bridges to local communities, and to people who have not yet discovered this opera.

Last but not least, it is also a challenge to you, to come and discover a new world - or, if you already love opera, to help others “cross the bridge” into the universe of opera.

We build too many walls and not enough bridges.
- Isaac Newton

Katherine Heid
RESEO