Following an absence of 18 years, the Teatro Real has revived one of the most complex and fascinating operas in the German Romantic repertoire in a production that breaks away from tradition. The opera will be performed in German with English and Spanish subtitles on 18, 19, 22, 23, 26, 27 and 30 May and on 1, 3, 5 and 7 June 2027 and directed by David Hermann.
David Hermann sets Richard Wagner’s opera in a futuristic, post-apocalyptic science-fiction universe, in which visual references to Blade Runner, Metropolis or Dune converse with its lyricism. Furthermore, the production features a solid cast led by the tenors Clay Hilley and Andreas Schager in the title role, accompanied by outstanding voices, such as Ludovic Tézier, André Schuen, Malin Byström, Elisabeth Teige, Ausrine Stundyte, Irene Roberts and Georg Zeppenfeld, all of whom are conducted by Gustavo Gimeno.
The story follows Tannhäuser, a troubadour who has lived in Venusberg, a world of sensual pleasure ruled by the Goddess Venus. Despite the constant revelry, the main character yearns to return to the real world. After escaping, he returns to Wartburg, where his disappearance had been deeply felt, especially by Elisabeth, a symbol of pure and spiritual love.
In his attempt to reintegrate, Tannhäuser participates in a singing contest in which he breaks the rules: despite the praise of idealised love by the other troubadours, he exalts carnal desire, unleashing a scandal. Only the intervention of Elisabeth pleading for mercy, spares him from punishment. As penance, he is ordered to travel to Rome to seek the Pope’s forgiveness.
However, the Pope denies him absolution, stating that his salvation would be as unlikely as his dry staff ever blossoming again. Defeated, Tannhäuser returns helplessly only to discover that Elisabeth has died after wearing herself out praying for his soul. Standing over her body, the troubadour falls lifelessly. It is not long before news of the miracle arrives: the staff has blossomed, confirming the main character’s ultimate redemption.
Artistic File:
- Conductor - Gustavo Gimeno
- Stage Director - David Hermann
- Stage Design - Jo Schramm
- Wardrobe - Bettina Walter
- Lighting - Fabrice Kebour
- Choreography - Jean-Philippe Guilois
- Choirmaster - José Luis Basso
- Orchestra - Teatro Real Resident Orchestra and Choir
Cast:
- Hermann - Georg Zeppenfeld (18, 19, 22, 23, 26, 27, 30 May and 1, 3, 5, 7 June)
- Tannhäuser - Clay Hilley (18, 22, 26, 30 May and 3, 7 June) and Andreas Schager (19, 23, 27 May and 1, 5 June)
- Wolfram Von Eschenbach - Ludovic Tézier (18, 22, 26, 30 May and 1, 3, 7 June) and Andrè Schuen (19, 23, 27 May and 5 June)
- Walter von der Vogelweide - Airam Hernández (18, 19, 22, 23, 26, 27, 30 May and 1, 3, 5, 7 June)
- Biterolf - Levente Páll (18, 19, 22, 23, 26, 27, 30 May and 1, 3, 5, 7 June)
- Heinrich Der Schreiber - Tadeusz Szlenkier (18, 19, 22, 23, 26, 27, 30 May and 1, 3, 5, 7 June)
- Reinmar von Zweter - Fernando Radó (18, 19, 22, 23, 26, 27, 30 May and 1, 3, 5, 7 June)
- Elisabeth - Malin Byström (18, 22, 26, 30 May and 3, 7 June) and Elisabeth Teige (19, 23, 27 May and 1, 5 June)
- Venus - Ausrine Stundyte (18, 22, 26, 30 May and 3, 7 June) and Irene Roberts (19, 23, 27 May and 1, 5 June)
- A Young Shepherd - Cassandre Berthon (18, 22, 26, 30 May and 1, 3, 7 June) and Elionor Martínez (19, 23, 27 May and 5 June)
Programme:
- Great Romanticism Opera in Three Acts
- Music and libretto by Richard Wagner (1813-1883)
- New production by the Teatro Real in co-production with the Lyon National Opera
- Premièred at the Teatro Real in the Saxon Court of Dresden on 19 October 1845
- Premièred at the Teatro Real on 22 March 1890
Language: German with English and Spanish subtitles
Image Credits: © Agathe Poupeney | Lyon Opera
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