Anselm Kiefer’s apocalyptic visions of Western civilization

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In recent years, Anselm Kiefer has been known as much for his reclusive nature as for his works of art. So when the France-based, German artist agreed two years ago to design and direct a new production at the Opera National de Paris, the international art world sat up and took notice.

‘In the Beginning,’ which opened this week in Paris, is being billed as a hybrid theatrical production and art installation. The new piece was created to honor the 20th anniversary of the company’s main house, the Opera Bastille, and was commissioned by the company’s leader, Gerard Mortier. Kiefer serves as the principal designer -- sets and costumes -- as well as the director. The music is composed by Jörg Widmann, who is best known as a clarinet soloist.

The mostly plotless spectacle begins with a recorded introduction by French movie actor Denis Podalydès, and features recitation accompanied by a clarinet (Widmann), an accordion and a glass harmonica. Slowly and with dance-like deliberation, the onstage performers enact an abstract version of Western civilization’s endless cycle of destruction and rebirth. There are also biblical references galore, as the actors intone ominous passages from the Old Testament.

Of course, the star of the production is Kiefer, who has brought his epic monumentalist sensibility to bear on this world premiere staging. His sets evoke the great ruins of European antiquity while also suggesting a vaguely sci-fi apocalypse.

The limited-run engagement ends July 14.

Click through to see more images of Kiefer’s striking set designs...

-- David Ng