Award
Prix Italia | 4th of October 2024
Directors: Noam Brusilovsky and Tobias Purfürst

 

‘Excess – A Techno Opera’, the docu-fictional radio drama by Noam Brusilovsky and Tobias Purfürst, has won the Prix Italia.

The award is considered the oldest and most prestigious international distinction for radio, television, and the internet. The international competition was established in 1948, initially for radio only. Television was added in 1957, and in 1998, web projects were included. Public and private radio and television broadcasters from 45 countries are partners and permanent members of the Prix Italia. The organization and management are overseen by the Italian public broadcaster RAI. The 76th Prix Italia took place from October 1 to 4, 2024, under the theme “Loud and Clear” in Turin.

The radio drama explores the theme of excess in death and on the opera stage:

Jessica (Susanna Hurrell) and her boyfriend Brian (Peter Becker) from London make a stop in Berlin during their world tour. For them, a visit to one of these trendy techno clubs in the cool city is a must.

During their world tour, Jessica and Brian make a stop in Berlin, the capital of club culture. Their destination: Berlin’s most famous techno club. On its dance floor, thousands of visitors from around the world move in unison to the beat every weekend. However, partying at TEMPEL is exclusive – limited access. The doorman decides who gets in. Films and photos are strictly forbidden. Excess – from Saturday night to Monday morning. “Club to Death” is the goal of many partygoers, and drugs are definitely part of the scene.

This proves fatal for Jessica. She dies that night from an overdose. Even in the club, her organs fail. The techno opera speculatively narrates the story of dying in the club. The true incident of the death of a clubgoer becomes a technoid epic, and just like in numerous famous death scenes from classical opera, the protagonist sings her tragic “Aria Finale” to the uninterrupted techno set.

 

Exzess – The Berlin Audio Play on ARD Audiothek

with Susanna Hurrell, Peter Becker, Lisa Hrdina, Rainer Sellien and others.

Image © Anke Beims | rbbKultur