Opera Wuppertal is set to present the first CO2-Neutral production via the initiative “Modular Stage Zero.”

Per an official press statement, ‘Modular Stage Zero’ “is paving the way for sustainable opera productions by developing a modular, reusable set design system. The idea itself sounds simple (think ‘Lego meets Ikea’): a number of set elements that can be infinitely redesigned and recombined, but the design and implementation is ground-breaking.

The continuing commitment of the Wuppertal Theater and Symphony (Wuppertaler Bühnen und Sinfonierorchester GmbH) to green practices presented [General and Artistic Director] Rebekah Rota with the perfect foundation to build on: by committing set designers and artistic teams to sustainable practices and by producing the first carbon-neutral production at the theater.”

The system will be used for two new productions during the 2023-24 season with the goal of implementing it in more productions in subsequent seasons. It will be fully unveiled on Dec. 9, 2023; the title of the piece that will implement it will be revealed on June 1, 2023.

“Sustainable production practices and fascinating set designs are not mutually exclusive – but it is time to give operatic opulence a modern touch and re-center the original power of this art form: to speak directly to our emotions, to create space for dialogue, and to offer inspiration. Qualities required in societies seeking transformation – and we can start here by introducing sustainability practices back into opera,” said Rota, who will commence her new tenure this August.