With A Masque for the Multiverse, laborgras and CONTINUUM celebrate an extraordinary encounter between the Baroque and the present. The performance stands for the power of encounters, the value of cultural diversity, and the courage to rethink traditions. Together with eight musicians, three singers, and four performers, we create a vivid reinterpretation of the historical masque tradition. Baroque music by William Lawes – composed for the court of Charles I – meets contemporary works by Shara Nova, whose compositions build bridges between pop culture and baroque soundscapes.

A Masque for the Multiverse merges music and contemporary dance into a cross-genre evening that places themes such as diversity and openness at its center. Inspired by the concept of the masque – a revolutionary and historically unique event at the English courts of James I and Charles I – this tradition is reimagined in a contemporary context. Audience members are invited to move freely within the performance space, shaping their own perspectives on the unfolding events. They can decide how close or distant they wish to be from the performers, experiencing the evening as active participants.

Despite the 400 years that separate their work, William Lawes and Shara Nova share a thematic focus on transformation and identity. In her opera You Us We All, Nova creates a seamless transition between epochs, allowing the baroque allegories of Hope, Love, and Death to reflect on the existential questions of our time. The texts challenge us to reconsider familiar beliefs: “What is our life? What purpose does beauty serve today?”

With sensuality and a touch of irony, laborgras and Continuum open a space for reflection and transformation – a bridge between historical traditions and the cultural currents of today. A unique experience for all who are drawn to the artistic symbiosis of the Baroque and the contemporary, and to the subtle dialogue between dance and music.

Artistic Direction: laborgras Renate Graziadei & Arthur Stäldi
Idea/concept/curation: CONTINUUM (Liam Byrne, Viola Blache, Elina Albach) & laborgras
Musical direction: Elina Albach
Artistic cooperation: Barbara Weigel
Choreography and dance: Renate Graziadei in collaboration with Rosalind Masson, Abraham Iglesias Rodriguez, Miguel Gonzalez Padilla
Dramaturgy: Arthur Stäldi
Composition: Shara Nova, William Lawes, Orlando Gibbons, William Byrd, Thomas Morley, John Bennet
Music: CONTINUUM
Arrangement: Liam Byrne
Soprano: Viola Blache
Alto: Bernadette Beckermann
Bass: Martin Schicketanz
Saxophone: Asya Fateyeva
Violin & Viola: Ildiko Ludwig
Viola da Gamba: Mirjam Luise Münzel, Liam Byrne
Lute: Pieter Theuns
Harps: Babett Niclas
Vibraphone, Glockenspiel, Historical Drums: Lola Mlacnik
Harpsichord & Organ: Elina Albach
Lighting Design: Kevin Sock
Costume Design: Claudia Janitschek
Assistant costumes: Manja Beneke
Make up and Hair (Pictures Postcards): Kati Heimann
Press and public relations: Yven Augustin / AugustinPR
Pictures: Phil Dera
Design: Mia Sedding
Production management: MIFRUSH Production (Micaela Trigo & Urszula Heuwinkel)