Komische Oper Berlin has announced an upcoming production of Hans Werner Henze’s oratorio, “The Raft of the Medusa,”  to be held at a hangar in the former Templehof Airport.

The unconventional choice in staging comes as the company’s current home undergoes renovations over the next six years, with the company making Schiller Theater a temporary venue, along with other locations in the city. The work is based on a painting by Theodore Gericault on an authentic shipwreck from 1816, and the 1968 Hamburg premiere had to be canceled due to riots.

Komische Oper Berlin Music director Titus Engel leads a cast including soprano Gloria Rehm and baritone Gunter Papendell,  as well as an 83-member choir, 40 extras, 20 choir boys, and 82 musicians.

The production will run for five performances from September 16 to 30, 2023.