In winter, the Laxenburg Palace Park near Vienna becomes the stage for an impressive spectacle: "Illumina - Garden of Lights" invites visitors to an evening tour in which art, light and sound form a symbiotic connection. The event, which takes place from November 15, 2024 to January 12, 2025, is a highlight of the cold season and attracts guests from near and far. With its unique mix of technological innovation and artistic creativity, "Illumina" has taken on a special place in the Austrian cultural calendar. The highlights of Illumina 2024 The circular route of around three kilometers leads through the historic park and offers numerous installations that impress with both their size and their thematic diversity. A centerpiece of this year's edition is the video mapping at the Franzensburg, which transforms the time-honored architecture of the castle into a living screen through luminous projections. The illumination of the trees and bodies of water creates a dreamlike atmosphere accompanied by orchestral sounds. New this year is the "talking tree", which is brought to life by light and audio elements. This installation, which was developed especially for children, tells interactive stories and gives the garden of lights a playful element. Equally remarkable is the laser show, which in combination with fog effects creates a futuristic scene in the park. Entrance fees and organizational details Entrance fees vary depending on the time of day and the age of the visitors. A regular ticket costs between 21 and 29 euros, depending on the day of the week, with reduced prices for children, young people and seniors. So-called time slot tickets are also available, which are a little cheaper.

The production of Leonard Bernstein's West Side Story at the Vienna Volksoper, directed by Lotte de Beer, promises a contemporary interpretation of the world-famous musical. Nevertheless, this new interpretation raises questions about the balance between tradition and innovation. With its premiere on January 27, 2024, a production was presented that is characterized by both bold artistic decisions and criticism of its implementation. The piece is performed regularly - the dates can be found on the Vienna Volksoper's homepage. This article examines the production from a theater studies perspective, with particular attention to dramaturgy, stage design and actor direction. Minimalist stage design and symbolic spaces The stage design, designed by Christof Hetzer, deviates significantly from the original atmosphere of New York's street canyons. A minimalist approach dominates: gloomy walls and only a few set pieces characterize the scenes. The choice to strongly abstract the urban context of the action has polarized. The production creates a "non-place" aesthetic that emphasizes universal conflicts while almost completely erasing the specific New York local color. A pastel-colored house that appears during the dream sequence "Somewhere" was considered out of place and kitsch by critics, as it interrupts the serious tone of the scene and disrupts the narrative coherence. The Choreography: A Departure from the Original One of the most striking elements of West Side Story is the choreography designed by Jerome Robbins, which was replaced here by Bryan Arias. While Arias' approach shows respectable energy and precision, critics say the dance scenes lack the emotional power and virtuosity of the original. The iconic fights between the gangs in particular seem

"Let the Sky Fall - The Bond Concert Show" presents itself as a dazzling event that aims to appeal to fans of the James Bond series and lovers of timeless film music alike. Under the direction of Thomas Borchert and Navina Heyne, the famous theme songs of the Bond films were presented in a musically and scenically designed revue on November 30, 2024 at the Vienna Metropol Theater. However, the event, which combines musical nostalgia with a touch of glamour, also demands critical reflection on its artistic implementation and dramatic stringency. A tribute to Bond culture The selection of songs reflects the diversity and depth of Bond film history, from Shirley Bassey's iconic "Goldfinger" to Billie Eilish's melancholic "No Time To Die". Borchert and Heyne not only interpret the classics with convincing vocals, but also rely on humorous and tongue-in-cheek interactions with the audience. The musical direction combines modern arrangements with the original style of the songs, which emphasises the balancing act between tradition and innovation. The ability of the two performers to credibly convey the emotional layers of the pieces is particularly highlighted, although the humorous touch occasionally came at the expense of the atmosphere. The staging and stage aesthetics The stage of the Vienna Metropol, known for its intimate atmosphere, was appropriately equipped for the concert. Light and video projections supported the musical performance by fading in iconic film scenes and 007 symbols. Despite these effects, the stage design seemed overloaded in some places and distracted from the music. The decision to use a live band, however, gave the performance a refreshing dynamic, while at the same time the