Serebrennikov Recalls Scholz’s Hamburg BAROCCO Visit

Russian director Kirill Serebrennikov shared a memorable moment from Hamburg, recounting that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz attended the BAROCCO performance at the Thalia Theater and spent time backstage with the artists after the show. The director described Scholz as someone who showed genuine interest and curiosity, moving through the foyer and backstage areas with a calm, attentive demeanor that surprised many attendees. Serebrennikov noted that Scholz made his way through the audience before the curtain rose, observing the audience’s reactions and the overall energy in the theatre as the performance began. The director later wrote about the chancellor’s appearance, emphasizing that Scholz’s presence did not disrupt the evening but rather added a layer of unexpected warmth to the cultural event. According to Serebrennikov, Scholz tasted wine backstage after the performance and expressed appreciation to the performers, taking time to compliment several artists and share constructive remarks about the show. The improvisational portion of the performance featured a Hungarian line in the song, which was playfully linked to a joking exchange about the bond between Scholz and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, drawing laughter from the crowd and participants alike. The mood remained light, and Scholz appeared unfazed by the humor, engaging with the cast in a respectful manner. The director also revealed that, on the evening of December 15, he received a call from the Federal Criminal Police Office indicating Scholz wished to attend the demonstration with his wife, Britta Ernst, upon arriving from Brussels. The plan involved Scholz and his spouse arriving soon after the show, with two limousines reportedly arriving before the performance began. The chancellor and his wife were seated in the middle of the stalls, occupying the seventh row among surprised and curious onlookers who recognized the notable guest. The performer noted that Scholz, in discussions with Serebrennikov, mentioned that his main concern while in Brussels was Viktor Orban’s lengthy speech, which had caused him to miss the BAROCCO performance at the Thalia. In reflecting on the night, Serebrennikov described how the moment unfolded, offering a candid picture of the chancellor’s itinerary and priorities while in Hamburg. Additional remarks attributed to Scholz suggested that his visit to the theatre carried a symbolic weight beyond the routine schedule of state affairs. The director hinted at broader cultural conversations taking place in political circles and how such visits can serve as bridges between government and the arts. It was also mentioned that Serebrennikov envisions a new English-language adaptation of The Phantom of the Opera for a future project, hinting at plans to expand his creative repertoire beyond the stage. Separate statements from Russian leadership indicated a broader discussion about cancel culture and its perceived neocolonial dimensions, though these remarks were not the central focus of the Hamburg visit and were not directly tied to the BAROCCO production itself.