Staging “Das Rheingold”

Richard Wagner

 

For the collaborative production of “Das Rheingold,” Indianapolis Opera and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra are doing a form of “role reversal.” We are placing the orchestra on stage and the singers in the pit. Lest you fret that you won’t be able to see the singers, the pit will be raised and lowered at appropriate moments. Picture Woton rising dramatically in front of the orchestra!

 

When we combine the elements of raising and lowering pit, a “megalithic” set piece, “virtual” set pieces (more on that later) and a full orchestra, we have an updated version of Wagner’s vision of “complete work of art.” These are not unlike the technical and theatrical advancements that rock groups have incorporated into their concerts.

 

Wagner through-composed “Das Rheingold” with no intermission. We felt that an uninterrupted two hours+ without a break would diminish rather than intensify the audience experience. Maestro Venzago has cleverly employed a technique from television that will allow for a 20-minute intermission without losing the momentum of the performance. Television programs sometimes start a new installment with the words “previously on Boston Legal,” while showing brief flashbacks of the previous episode. In our production, the beginning of the second act will briefly review the musical themes heard during the first act to get the audience back up to speed.

 

Next time we will gain some insight into the collaboration between Maestro Venzago and stage director Joachim Schamberger, and their common Germanic heritage.

 

Jim