Hoch Hinaus — Lukas Seel

The front row of the company at the curtain call, roses in hand.

More than one hundred refugee and local young people made Hoch Hinaus together in 2017. They rehearsed in Berlin and Hamburg, then performed the musical in those two cities and Leipzig.

Loosely based on Friedrich Schiller’s ballad Die Bürgschaft and shaped by the participants’ experiences, the story moved through friendship, exile, betrayal, and return. For many of the refugee performers, learning the German lyrics was part of learning the language.

I produced the musical as Managing Director of PluralArts International. I was responsible for the partnerships, budgets, staff, venues, contracts, logistics, tour, communications, PR, and marketing that carried it from two rehearsal cities to the stage. I also contributed to the story and lyrics. Todd Fletcher composed the music and led the singers; Kathlyn Pope choreographed the production.

Hoch Hinaus performers rehearsing a lift.

Participants and team from Hoch Hinaus gathered together.

At the Berlin premiere, the cast received a standing ovation. The production was covered by UNHCR, Deutsche Welle, BBC World Service, and German production press.

The Hoch Hinaus company mid-jump in the finale — grey robes and armor under stage light.

UNHCR followed the young performers through rehearsal and onto the stage.

Deutsche Welle UNHCR BBC World Service

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