On the Barricade

Accompanying our innovative opera La Révolution de Carmen is an equally compelling podcast: On the Barricade. In this three-part series, with an additional epilogue about the production, podcaster Dide Vonk delves deeper into the story behind Carmen and examines how the themes of this tale, set during the Paris Commune of 1871, remain relevant today.

Luister here!

What drives people to resist?

How far will people go for their freedom and ideals? And when does liberation turn into destruction? On the Barricadedraws connections between the story of the Paris Commune and the political struggles of today. From historical revolutions to contemporary protest movements – women’s protests, climate marches, demonstrations for Gaza – what can we learn from the past?

Counter-revolutions

In episode two, we explore the phenomenon of counter-revolutions. We often associate revolutions with progressive movements, but is that image still accurate? How is it that revolutionaries themselves can become oppressors? Increasingly, we see large groups rising up against change, wanting everything to remain as it was.

A search for connection

In the final episode, we ask what freedom means today. Is it possible to stay in the middle in a world full of divisions? And is neutrality a sign of weakness? We look for ways to overcome polarization. Can the experiences of the Paris Commune teach us how to bring a divided society back together?

This podcast series is much more than a history lesson or an opera commentary. With music, sound design, personal reflections, and interviews, Dide Vonk creates an engaging journalistic exploration of the mechanisms behind revolutions and counter-revolutions.

Listen to On the Barricade in your favorite podcast app!