Problem with Tetralogythat’s when Rhine Gold badly handled (as was the case in January), the next three “days” of Wagnerian stage festivals – Valkyries, Siegfried And Twilight of the Gods – most likely so too. We must admit that director Calixto Bieito has managed, if not to improve the situation, at least not to make it worse, if we are to believe it. Valkyries presented through November 30 at the Opéra Bastille, in Paris.
Attacked by an enormous mesh structure, like the panels of a central computer unit, the space of the entire stage is part of a vertical geometry of cells crossed by beams, guardrails and floor areas. This impressive device is also used to project live captured images. Thus “Prelude” vibrates in techno-survivalist mode with a fleet of confetti screens connected to surveillance cameras.
In this inhuman world, Siegmund and Sieglinde will meet in Hunding’s ruined apartment (second floor right), before falling in love on a dirty mattress on the proscenium, while Wotan will not leave his crisis cell. (ground floor left) in pursuit of Brünnhilde, the wayward Valkyrie, who has transformed from a childhood broomstick in a blue crinoline dress into a black commando outfit, across a dislocated no man’s land. The situation has split into blocks in the outside world which is still hostile and dangerous, necessitating protective gloves, gowns and masks.
You have 74.29% of this article left to read. The remainder is provided to customers.
