Actress Marie Nasemann in opera series: “I was immediately enthusiastic about the idea”

Since Thursday (June 20th) an unusual new mini-series has been available in the ARD Mediathek and on www.ardkultur.de. “For the Drama” is set behind the scenes of “The Bat” at the Bavarian State Opera in Munich. It was filmed during real rehearsals for the new production of the operetta by the Viennese composer Johann Strauss (1825-1899). Through cameo appearances and interview sequences, actors from the dazzling world of opera are integrated into the fictional story with partly scripted, partly improvised dialogues.

The fictional story tells of the relationship crisis of two members of the Bavarian State Opera ensemble. Rosa and Gabriel are the understudy in “The Bat”. They attend rehearsals every day as a back-up team. The two are also a couple in their private lives, but are in a relationship crisis because Rosa is starting an affair and her career is taking her abroad. Gabriel feels overwhelmed by all of this and tries to save his career and his reputation… It is about lost love, betrayal and revenge, disappointed expectations, stuck roles and decisions with serious consequences – all of which are also motifs in Strauss’ operetta.

In addition to Eidin Jalali (32, “Maxton Hall”) as Gabriel, Vivien König (26), Wilson Gonzalez Ochsenknecht (34) and Marie Nasemann (35) in the main role as Rosa can be seen. The latter tells more details about the exciting project in an interview with spot on news. The actress also reveals what is at the top of her professional wish list.

“For the Drama” combines a fictional relationship drama with documentary images of the dazzling world of opera. What did you think when you heard that for the first time and what attracted you to it?

Marie Nasemann: I was immediately enthusiastic about the idea. I love unconventional ideas and when people try to make a somewhat dusty genre like opera accessible to a wider audience. I was keen to get a taste of the theatre again. I love the atmosphere backstage – and of course I wanted to play a leading role.

It’s a rather unusual project that requires a bit of courage. How brave would you describe yourself as?

Nasemann: I think I have always been very brave and have often taken unconventional paths myself. I was usually rewarded for it and I would do it again.

What is your general connection to the world of opera?

Nasemann: I am a total theater-goer, but I also love to immerse myself in the musical world of an opera once or twice a year. I usually come out of it excited and ask myself: Why don’t I go to the opera more often?

What was it like behind the scenes and what fascinated you most about filming in the world of opera?

Nasemann: It was exciting behind the scenes. I found it incredible to see how 1,000 people at the Bavarian State Opera work every day to provide the audience with an evening that is truly fascinating on every level. What fascinated me most was definitely the insight into the rehearsals. Everything is carried out at the highest professional level. Everyone is extremely well prepared and extremely motivated. In the theater, things are sometimes very different (laughs).

Styling plays a big role in opera. Are you a fan of extreme, weird, wild outfits – both professionally and privately?

Nasemann: Definitely. My enthusiasm for crazy costumes is still 100 percent there, even if my personal style has become more classic and simple over the years. I love unusual vintage pieces. I like to combine these with simpler pieces. I also don’t have to stand out at all costs when I’m out and about in my private life.

You are an actress in film, television and theater, a podcaster, an author… You do a lot of different things professionally. How important is variety to you?

Nasemann: I love variety and I need it. Acting is my heart, but I could never just sit around and wait for the next job to come along. I love being able to be proactive.

Which of these did you have to work the hardest for?

Nasemann: Getting to where I am today with acting was certainly not easy. But it wasn’t hard either, as I always had other jobs as well. It just took a lot of patience at times.

What helps you best against stage fright, for example before a theater performance?

Nasemann: I try to notice the nervousness in my body instead of pushing it away or distracting myself. The feeling then usually moves through my body, for example from a rumbling stomach to sweaty hands or a dry throat. At some point my body calms down and I can breathe deeply again.

Do you have a special ritual before entering the stage?

Nasemann: There are vocal and warm-up exercises that I like to do before I go on stage; they make me feel more confident. For example, I tap my whole body with my hands and let my lips “flutter” noisily.

What else is on your professional wish list?

Nasemann: Filming “Tatort” is on my wish list. I love watching “Tatort” myself and it would be great to act in it myself one day.

You have already been nominated and awarded prizes for some of your work. What does that mean to you?

Nasemann: It is a great honor. At the same time, awards can also put pressure on you to keep achieving so much and to maintain high standards in a particular subject. I try to free myself from that a little and today I make professional decisions based more on the question: What is good for me? What does it do for my mental health? What works well for my whole family? Rather than on the question: What will an award bring me?

On your Instagram account you describe yourself as an “activist”. What are you committed to or against?

Nasemann: I am committed to fair and more sustainable fashion. The textile industry is one of the most unfair and dirtiest in the world. At the same time, I am committed to feminist issues and promote issues that are important for young parents. Parental allowance has not been increased by a single cent since it was introduced in 2007, despite inflation. Many parents are catapulted into poverty by the birth of a child. That cannot be allowed to happen.

You have often lived in one place for a long time and then moved. Is there a place that your heart is really attached to?

Nasemann: Yes, that’s Lake Garda. I’ve been vacationing here all my life and it’s so nice to be able to pass on my childhood memories to my children.

You currently live in Berlin with your family. What do you appreciate most about this city?

Nasemann: The openness towards all cultures, attitudes, sexualities and the like. I always say: It may not be the most beautiful city in the world, but there is nothing that you can’t find in Berlin. With my desire for variety, I am of course in great hands there (laughs).