“Dürr Darbte der Baum” by Julius Pfeiffer

Jul 7

Dürr Darbte der Baum intertwines music, dance, and Richard Wagner's opera 'The Ring'. The cursed power of a Rhine gold ring unfolds, driving those who covet it towards catastrophe. Against the backdrop of a haunting coke plant, Berlin-based dancers Raz Mantell and Jin Lee embody archetypal characters, delving into the realms of subconsciousness.

In this black and white film, Belgian director Julius Pfeiffer and German composer Schlindwein are bringing to life an intriguing music and dance performance inspired by the libretto of Richard Wagners famous opera “The Ring”. It tells the story of a cursed ring forged from the gold of the River Rhine and the catastrophic consequences of those who seek to possess its power.

Schlindwein, who hails from the banks of the river Rhine, performs his songs live and captures the mood of the scenery with cinematic compositions which combine classical themes and analogue electronic sounds.

The two Berlin-based dancers Raz Mantell and Jin Lee are playing the protagonists of the story. Raz impersonates the evil, power-hungry dwarf “Alberich” who wants to steal the treasure buried in the Rhine. Jin, on the other hand, portrays one of the “Daughters of the Rhine” who are sensitive creatures tasked with protecting the treasure from those who seek to steal it.

Set against the backdrop of an abandoned coke plant, a part of Germany's recent history, and interrupted by the dancer's statements about their nightmares, the video touches on the topic of archetypes and collective subconsciousness.