‘The Melancholic Melody’ Exposes Berlin’s Tech Culture, Berlin Art Link

Ariel William Orah: ‘The Melancholic Melody of the New Economy,’ 2024, performance view.
Foto: Zé de Paiva

 

After the performance of ‘The Melancholic Melody of the New Economy’ at Ballhaus Naunynstraße, first-time director Ariel William Orah told an appreciative audience that 13 years ago, as a young migrant from Indonesia, he worked in Berlin’s then-burgeoning tech industry. Chatting later in the courtyard bar, Orah discussed scouring the migrant community channels where such jobs are posted to find the performers for his “musical-documentary theatre.” Rather than audition for roles, Orah interviewed whomever expressed interest and invited those willing to commit to the intense six-week development period to join. Despite working in Berlin’s so-called “creative industries,” the five participants of ‘The Melancholic Melody’ were eager to express themselves.

Read at Berlin Art Link.