- Musikalische Leitung – Jonathan Nott
- Inszenierung – Benedikt von Peter
- Co-Regie – Caterina Cianfarini
- Sinfonieorchester Basel
- 2 hours 40 minutes without a break
- Interesting for people aged 12+
- In German language, with German surtitles
- With English surtitles
First part of the 'Ring' cycle in Basel
When the giants demand their reward for building Valhalla, the castle of the gods, the chief god Wotan is in trouble. The cunning Loge knows what to do: the Nibelung Alberich once came into possession of the Rhine gold, which - forged into the Ring - promises boundless dominion. Wotan and Loge decide to snatch the gold and the ring from Alberich in order to pay the giants. In his new production, Benedikt von Peter focuses on Wotan's patriarchal rule and its disastrous effects on subsequent generations. Through the eyes of Brünnhilde, the audience experiences the four-part story as a fragmented trail of memories.
Together with the dramaturgy department, the Basel Kulturhaus Bider & Tanner has been curating the book table for our plays for many years. The selection of books, CDs, DVDs, catalogues and sheet music is always available in the online shop. It's worth browsing regularly.
With the kind support of IG Ring
Benedikt von Peter, Intendant und Künstlerischer Leiter der Oper, wurde für seine Inszenierung bei den «International Opera Awards 2024» als bester Regisseur nominiert.
Richard Wagner's 'Ring' is returning to Theater Basel after more than 40 years. Two pieces will premiere in each of the 23/24 and 24/25 seasons: 'Das Rheingold' and 'Die Walküre' in autumn 2024, 'Siegfried' and 'Götterdämmerung' in autumn 2025. The entire cycle can be seen in June 2025. Please also note the accompanying programme.
Mediathek
- Musikalische Leitung –
- Inszenierung –
- Co-Regie –
- Bühne –
- Kostüme –
- Kostümmitarbeit –
- Lichtdesign –
- Videodesign –
- Sounddesign –
Robert Hermann
- Puppencoach –
- Sprachcoach –
Pia Lux
- Dramaturgie –
- Woglinde –
- Wellgunde –
- Flosshilde –
- Wotan –
- Donner –
- Froh –
- Loge –
- Fricka –
- Freia –
- Erda –
- Alberich –
- Mime –
-
Fasolt –
Hubert Kowalczyk
- Fafner –
- Erste Norn –
- Zweite Norn –
- Dritte Norn –
- Siegmund –
- Brünnhilde –
- Sinfonieorchester Basel
Basel is Bayreuth. And not just because a new 'Ring des Nibelungen' is being created there at the Theater Basel after 40 years. Benedikt von Peter, artistic director and director of the 'Ring', had Natascha von Steiger recreate the Bayreuth Festival Theatre. (...) The great thing about this construction is that you are very close to the action. (...) You are at home with the gods, watching their fine acting closely, they don't have to shout, they are close by. There's a lot of acting finesse here.
Von Peter's production is particularly visually captivating. Despite the simple backdrop, he creates marvellous images with light and effects. (...) The performance under the direction of Jonathan Nott is also musically convincing. Canadian Nathan Berg plays the fearsome Wotan with a rich bass, brilliantly supported by Michael Laurenz. The tenor stands out not only because of his bright yellow costume. With great vigour, he plays the sly rogue who is friends with everyone and yet in the end only with himself.
The directorial concept of Benedikt von Peter (staging) and Caterina Cianfarini (co-direction) is convincing and harmoniously realised. (...) The Basel Symphony Orchestra under the musical direction of Jonathan Nott is a particular attraction of this production. Not only because of its formidable playing, but also because of its placement under the centre of the stage. (...) Forecast: This Ring will become cult.
And the old Basel Wagner scepticism? Despite Wagner's unfortunate image of women, despite Wotan's irritating scenes with the three Norns, it seems to have been blown away. The theatre is sold out, the crowd gives thunderous applause for several minutes and the Wagner virus has the city at Father Rhine's knee firmly in its grip.
Nathan Berg, as Wotan, portrays his role as the villain and ruling head of the family with a powerful voice and is particularly strong in the scenes where he shows his dominant side. (...) Particularly noteworthy and a highlight of this performance is Michael Laurenz's Loge. There is probably no better singer-actor of this demanding role in our day. Every word is understandable and his voice is perfect. This mix of voice and performance is particularly impressive.
The Basel Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Jonathan Nott is invisible, in a covered orchestra pit. This creates a very special sound that is never too loud, but still very present and warm.