A screening of the first part of the landmark production of Wagner’s 'Ring Cycle' directed by Patrice Chéreau for the centenary of the Bayreuth Festival in 1976. A classic in the history of Wagner stagings, this production was hugely influential both in its political interpretation of the tetralogy and in its theatrical vibrancy. Patrice Chéreau will be present to discuss his work with Patrick Carnegy, author of 'Wagner and the Art of the Theatre'. The performance will be introduced by Humphrey Burton.
In this production, Wotan wears a brocade coat as favoured by Wagner himself while the Rhine became a hydro-electric dam. The gods’ ascent to Valhalla is a defiant flight into the future.
(Sung in German with English subtitles. Running time 145 mins, plus interval.)