Robert Lepage’s acclaimed new production of Wagner’s Der Ring des Nibelungen is preceded by the broadcast of award-winning filmmaker Susan Froemke’s documentary “Wagner’s Dream,” which chronicles the backstage story of the creation of this ambitious new staging of the cycle. This is the third time a complete Ring cycle has aired on PBS. In 1983, GREAT PERFORMANCES aired Patrice Chereau’s production of the Ring conducted by Pierre Boulez from the Bayreuth Festival, and in 1990, LIVE FROM THE MET (the precursor of GREAT PERFORMANCES AT THE MET) presented Otto Schenk’s Metropolitan Opera production, conducted by James Levine.
“Wagner’s Dream” Monday, September 10, 2012, 8pm
“Das Rheingold (The Rhine Gold)” Tuesday, September 11, 2012, 8pm
“Die Walkure (The Valkyrie)” Wednesday, September 12, 2012, 8pm
“Seigfried” Thursday, September 13, 2012, 8pm
“Gotterdammerung (Twilight of the Gods)” Friday, September 14, 2012, 8pm
The stakes could not be higher as visionary director Robert Lepage, several of the world’s greatest operatic artists and the Metropolitan Opera tackle Wagner’s Ring cycle. An intimate look at the enormous theatrical and musical challenges of staging opera’s most monumental work, Susan Froemke’s documentary chronicles the quest to fulfill Wagner’s dream of a perfect Ring.
The complete Ring Cycle airs Monday, September 10 – Friday, September 14, 2012 beginning at 8pm each night on KCPT2.
Watch Sneak Peek: Wagner’s Dream on PBS. See more from Great Performances.
