Not the Messiah - based on the cult film "Life of Brian" - Salzburg State Theatre

In English:

Jesus Christ is not the only one who was born in a stable on that Holy Night: Brian Cohen also experiences this fate! The satirical oratorio "Not the Messiah," adapted from the 1979 Monty Python film "Life of Brian," tells the story of how "a very normal man" is mistakenly believed to be the Messiah due to a series of misunderstandings and coincidences. Brian finds himself in one awkward and bizarre situation after another, is revered as a savior by a cult, and is unwittingly turned into a religious figure.

The oratorio humorously addresses human nature, the search for identity, and the tendency to listen unquestioningly to authorities. Musically, catchy melodies blend with classical organ and choral music, while irony and dark humor take center stage in the lyrics. The contrast between religiously solemn and absurdly comedic sounds defines the work.

"Monty Python’s Flying Circus" remains unmatched in humor to this day. In 1979, Monty Python turned the Bible upside down with "Life of Brian." In 2007, the creators of "Spamalot," Eric Idle and John Du Prez, crafted a comedic oratorio based on the film material. Opera soloists, choir, and symphony orchestra narrate the story of Brian, who is not the Messiah – and the song "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" is, of course, a must.

Since the stage adaptation, it has become customary to perform "Not the Messiah" semi-staged: Like a classic oratorio, the focus is not on the stage action but on the orchestra and the soloists. This is scenically arranged by Carl Philip von Maldeghem, who has the special task of placing not only the singers but also the Mozarteum Orchestra and the musical director Tobias Meichsner on the stage of the State Theater.

The introduction to the work takes place 45 and 30 minutes before the start of the performance.