Origen is a visionary, vital cultural project in the Swiss Alps. It transforms a barren valley characterized by migration into a flourishing and diverse cultural landscape that itself becomes a stage.
At the beginning of all engagements is theater that takes place outdoors, is inspired by nature and interprets the location in a contemporary way. Over the years, major projects in the fields of heritage conservation, historical research, village development and new building technologies have been added. Origen's cultural activities promote soft tourism, an innovative construction industry, inspired gastronomy and high-quality craftsmanship. The new jobs support social cohesion in the villages and bring new residents to the valley. Cooperation with renowned universities strengthens the pioneering spirit of an entire region.
At the heart of the engagement is theater set in the vast landscape. Origen's stages are set on dams, winter lakes and Alpine passes. There is no standardized peep-box theater: castles, barns, engine sheds and railroad tunnels are home to Origen's stage plays, which tell the great myth. The repertoire reflects the cultural uniqueness of the Alpine region and spans its network throughout the world. Artists from all continents create new works for Origen's distinctive venues and create a unique, visionary, creative density. No other theater in Switzerland stages more world premieres.
The creative power is not exhausted by stage performances. Origen is committed to the preservation of sites worthy of protection and the revitalization of dying villages. The village of Mulegns, which today has just 15 inhabitants, lies on the Roman Julierstrasse.Thanks to Origen's commitment, a listed villa in danger of demolition has been relocated.The Post Hotel Löwe, a pioneering building from the early days of tourism, was acquired and renovated: it is due to open its doors as a cultural venue before the end of the year.The renovation of a charming farmhouse and the spacious vicarage will create living space for the new villagers.A digitally printed tower will characterize the late classicist ensemble with its silhouette. The structure, which is being built in cooperation with the ETH, is a reminder of the economic emigration of the Grisons farmers - and will be the tallest digital structure in the world.
A few villages further down the valley is Origen's cultural ancestral home, the medieval Riom Castle. The defiant building houses the first Origen theater, which is performed in summer.Origen's textile workshops have set up shop on the village square, in the empty chancellery.Costumes are sewn here, carpets and wallpaper are created and local sheep's wool is processed.At festival times, the Frisch family's patrician house welcomes guests who appreciate its honest charm.The unused schoolhouse serves Origen as a workspace and rehearsal room. Laurent Carisch's villa houses a café and historical exhibition rooms, while Origen's award-winning winter theater plays in the adjoining barn.
On the historic Julier Pass, which has been walked on for thousands of years, Origen has erected a temporary wooden theater tower that seeks a dialogue with the archaic mountain landscape, recalls the Babylonian diversity of languages and unites a whole range of theater typologies in a bold synthesis. Since its opening in 2017, the striking building has brought many world-class artists, crowned heads of state, presidents, students and well-traveled guests to the mountains. Shortly before the Red Tower was demolished, Origen presented the "Ospizio" project outline for a permanent cultural center on the Julier Pass in summer 2023.
Origen redefines cultural commitment.The small, vital organization transcends all genre boundaries and uses creative potential to shape living space, transform a barren valley, build the future and create solid meaning.Origen has long since left the comfort zone of the golden cultural cages and faces up to the lived reality of a concrete living environment, always committed to the historical heritage, but always growing beyond it.Culture may, culture must shape the world.
All you need for your cultural holiday
