Crossing Bridges

How best to celebrate the diversity which is central to our European societies, to our art and our creativity? But how equally to demonstrate our harmony, the common core which unites our cultures, and our shared passion for opera? How better than by choosing a single theme for the European Opera Days 2010, which allows us all to interpret it in a way unique to our opera houses and our cultures- the common theme “Crossing Bridges”.

The symbol of the bridge, both as a physical reality as well as a philosophical concept, holds a wealth of cultural meanings, representing our histories and cultures - in Europe and beyond.

Each physical bridge has its own history: stories woven around its construction, often stories of demolition, of re-building and effort, linking it with the history of a city or a country.

The bridge is however also an abstract, philosophical concept, and can symbolize a voyage between two worlds, between two communities, represent an emotional link between two people, or the transition between the here and the nether world, between life and death. Imagining bridges reflects an attempt to join what is separated, to bring together differences, which would otherwise remain irreconcilable.

The bridge, together with water and land, is an ancient symbol, with a history so old it is difficult to trace back in time, and is a continual presence in our lives.
Our common European folk tales and medieval stories often use it as a symbol of passage; a dangerous path to be taken- the courageous knight crosses it to rescue the “other” (often a beautiful princess…).

From a psychological perspective, knowing others means creating links, engaging in communication, “keeping touch”, crossing the bridge between the “self” and the “other” – and ultimately discovering oneself and one's identity.

Travel has always fascinated mankind, represented both a necessity and a sometimes perilous adventure. Globalisation is inciting more and more people to leave one home for another far away. What does the symbol of the bridge mean for migrants- crossing cultures, changing languages? Is it necessary to choose the shore one belongs to? Can one remain, forever suspended, on the bridge in-between worlds?

A multitude of possible perspectives for you to explore, revealing a wealth of possible meanings- bridges connecting places, people, communities, universes- the bridge as a stimulating symbol in our traditions and history.

We invite you, for these European Opera Days on the theme of “Crossing Bridges”, to explore these possibilities and open your doors, to reach out to the communities around you, to local associations, other art forms, to the people to which a bridge has not yet been built. By bridging the gap to the other, we will finally discover ourselves.

We build too many walls and not enough bridges.
Isaac Newton

Katherine Heid
RESEO