Pelleas et Melisande

We were very happy to be able to go and see Pelleas and Melisande, opera by Claude Debussy, organized by the Neuköllner Oper, in a new release of Miriam Salevic and played at the berghain last Friday. There were 3 dates, sold out and we got tickets for Friday evening. This was good news because we were relaxed to go there before It opens for the week-end. The atmosphere of the place is really something different but the mood is still there, always expecting something different to happen. And It did. Of course It was sold out because only 60 guests could attend the event. Then you get the feeling that It is a private concert. It was played by young people but with future big talent. They are not afraid to involve themselves in this project of re-interpreting the Debussy’s opera in a new version, full of craziness. You could feel the scenery a bit aggressive but nevertheless interesting and even sometimes funny because ridiculous. But It is part of the game. I was positively surprised that It was played and sung in French with German subtitles. The young have nice voice and you can sense that while they will carry on to work, their art will improve, which is good news. It was also a good thing to see the Berghain without people. Because we arrived early, we could have a drink at the bar dowstairs and pay attention to the details of the place : the lamps, the huge stairway we climb as often as ye can preparing our entrance on the dance floor, the furniture we never see, the silence and the non-flashing lights. After this new experience, we needed a drink. It was Friday evening, It wasn’t late and the nights start to be really cold (we already have less than 5°C). Not very far we noticed a new hotel with what seemed to be a nice bar. Not necessary to mention it. Though the waiter is attractive, the place is OK, the drinks too expensive and not good and I can't talk about the service. Frustrated by this, we kissed goodbye with my friend and ended up at Bariton's, as usual, where the atmosphere is warm and the drinks good.