German masterpiece opera to cast spell at World Expo

2010-04-01 09:42 BJT

Special Report: Shanghai World Expo 2010 |

 

Germany's Kelon Theater will bring Richard Wagner's masterpiece opera "The Ring of Nibelungen", better known as "The Ring", to Shanghai during the World Expo. "The Ring" is hailed as the composer's greatest opera and took him 26 years to create. It promises to be a veritable feast for art lovers among the many stage shows being produced throughout the expo.

If opera is the crown of classical art, Wagner's "The Ring" is the most brilliant pearl on it. Comprised of four separate operas, that if run in succession would require fifteen hours, the production naturally features a huge cast and crew, as well as massive sets. It's challenging for both the conductor and performers.

Still of "The Ring of Nibelungen"
Still of "The Ring of Nibelungen"

So in modern history, staging a full Ring cycle has become a true testament to a theater's production ability, or even a city's cultural significance in the hearts of opera lovers.

In the 130 years since its composition, the opera has evolved into many versions. A new version by the Kelon theater is still in rehearsal and will debut in Germany in June. The show will open at the Shanghai Grand Theater on September the 16th and run until the 24th, running two cycles, a total of eight performances.

Because this version will be staged as part of the Shanghai World Expo, the Kelon Theatre thinks this may be the biggest ever exposure of the opera.

Editor: Liu Fang | Source: CCTV.com