Tuesday, February 4

Tag: The Flying Dutchman

Opera North’s The Flying Dutchman – Leeds Grand Theatre
2Feb By Mark HumphreysNo Comments
Yorkshire & Humber

Opera North’s The Flying Dutchman – Leeds Grand Theatre

The Flying Dutchman, often regarded as Wagner’s first true Gesamtkunstwerk (total artwork), has a somewhat problematic yet refreshingly straightforward narrative – at least compared to most operas.  There are no mistaken identities, hidden family ties, or scheming servants – just a simple, if slightly absurd, tale of love, obsession, and redemption.  Oh, and death.  Mustn’t forget the death. A sea captain, Daland, encounters the cursed Flying Dutchman, doomed to sail forever unless he finds true love.  Offered treasure, Daland promises his daughter, Senta, in marriage.  (What is she, some sort of chattel?)  Senta, previously obsessed with the Dutchman’s legend and oft to be seen worshipping his picture, eagerly accepts.  After their union, her former l...
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The Flying Dutchman – The Grand Junction
14Jul By Carole GordonNo Comments
London

The Flying Dutchman – The Grand Junction

Glyn Maxwell and Laura Bowler's reworking of the mythic tale of the seaman condemned to sail the seas unless he finds his true love puts a topical spin on Wagner's 1843 opera, "Der fliegende Holländer". In this version, England's borders are closed to strangers, the vigilante Watch group scan the sea from the cliffs on the look-out for anyone trying to "invade", harsh measures are being implemented to deter those trying to cross the sea. One of the Watch, Starlight, begins to empathise with those seeking refuge and tries to persuade others to have more compassion. Mari, leader of the Watch and the antithesis of Starlight, sees her sympathy as treason. There's also a thread of unrequited love coming into play between Mari and Starlight. Meanwhile, the Mariner, injured and alone on his raft,...
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