2023–2025

A new 'Ring' for Basel

Monumental, fascinating and controversial: Richard Wagner's 'Der Ring des Nibelungen' is still the subject of controversy today. Sixteen hours in four evenings - created over more than a quarter of a century - tell of the downfall of a power system, the fateful failure of the hero and the utopia of love. After more than 40 years, 'The Ring' returns to Theater Basel. In a first block of premieres in autumn 2023, 'Das Rheingold' and 'Die Walküre' will be seen on the main stage, along with a rich supporting programme and productions by guest artists, who together will establish a Ring Festival.
In the 24/25 season, the two parts of 'Siegfried' and 'Götterdämmerung' will be premiered in a second autumn festival series, followed by three complete cycles in the spring of 2025. Tickets for the cycles can already be ordered as subscriptions. Further information can be found below.

Message of greeting from the artistic director

The new production of the four-part opera cycle examines the effects of Wotan's patriarchal rule on the following generations. In addition, we have invited theatre-makers with different backgrounds and aesthetic approaches to take independent perspectives on Wagner's world drama and to comment critically on them. The collective Gintersdorfer/Klassen, which works with performers from Côte d'Ivoire, meets the documentary theatre duo Hans-Werner Kroesinger and Regine Dura. The British sound artist Matthew Herbert is developing a participatory choral installation on Theaterplatz. From 9 September, a festival will form around these five premieres. A late-night series and introductory events complete the programme of 'Der Ring – Ein Festival', of which this supplement offers an overview. Have fun discovering it!

Benedikt von Peter
and the Opera Team

On four Thursday evenings, Basel director and performer Marcel Schwald and dramaturge Jonas Gillmann invite artists from the festival and other guests to a late-night talk. The evening will be musically accompanied by Les Reines Prochaines.

• in the theatre café
• 14/21/28 September and 5 October 2023, 9:30 p.m.
• Free admission

Musical introduction with Jonathan Nott

Together with musicians of the Sinfonieorchester Basel, 'Ring' conductor Jonathan Nott introduces the musical structures and presents the most important leitmotifs.

• Rehearsal Centre Picassoplatz
• 22.8.2023, 7:30 pm
• Collection

Ansi entführt den Ring

The 'Ring' in short form: Ansi Verwey presents the opera cycle on the piano. A one-woman show for everyone who loves, hates, knows or wants to discover Wagner.

• Small Stage
• 29.8.2023, 8pm
• CHF 40.-
• Thank you! With the kind support of the Theaterverein Basel

Before the premiere: 'Das Rheingold' and 'Die Walküre'

In an introduction followed by a visit to a final rehearsal, the directing team will give an insight into the new productions of 'Das Rheingold' and 'Die Walküre'.

• 'Das Rheingold', Foyer, 4.9.2023, 6:30 p.m.
• 'Die Walküre', Foyer, 11.9.2023, 6:30 p.m.
• CHF 10.-

For 'Der Ring – Ein Festival' we have two subscriptions over two seasons on offer, with which you can visit all four Ring parts at a discount. Book all four Ring performances in an optional subscription or a cycle and receive a 10% discount.

Ring subscription Cycles

Ticket office:
nibelungen@theater-basel.ch
+41 (0)61 295 11 33

Around the Ring Festival, you can stay with us at the theatre from morning to night. Breakfast, the daily paper, lunch, a drink before the performance, a snack during the interval, a nightcap after the final applause - Theater Basel is an open house.

Performance catering

The performance catering opens 1 hour before the start of each performance. In fine weather with outdoor bar and seating. Order your table directly before the performance. Order forms are available. Your order will be ready at the beginning of the interval.

Foyer Public

The foyer of Theater Basel is a public space.
Tue - Sun 11:00 - 18:00
Closed on Mondays
More

Theatre Café

Tue - Sat 9:00 - 21:00
Sun 11:00 - 21:00
Closed on Mondays
Lunch 11:30 - 13:30
More

Combination offer: 'Ticket & Ring Teller'.

Buy your ticket together with a vegetarian 'Ring-Teller'. Between the performances of 'Rheinklang - Ein Chorritual' and 'Das Rheingold' and in the first interval of 'Die Walküre', the Ring-Teller with drink will be ready for you.

Ring Teller

Lemon fennel, grilled courgettes, peperonicrème, melon with honey, aubergine-mint puree, stewed cherry tomatoes, buffalo milk mozzarella, lettuce, lemon oil, tree nuts, boiled egg, radishes, Jura mountain cheese, watercress and flatbread, all from the region. Included: a glass of Cuvée d'Or blanche, Baselland, and Basel water. CHF 38.-

Order

The Interessengemeinschaft (IG) Ring was founded to support Theater Basel in the realisation of this large-scale project. You too can play a role in this unique opera project and become part of IG Ring with your donation.

Info

Our tips for hotels near the theatre. When purchasing tickets or Ring subscriptions, you will receive further information on our partner hotels and their exclusive offers for visitors: inside the Basel 'Ring'.

Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois

Stay where Richard Wagner stayed. (5*)
lestroisrois.com

Nomad Design & Lifestyle Hotel

The hotel in Basel where two hearts beat - the design-savvy & the urban. (4*)
nomad.ch

Märthof

Savoir-vivre in the heart of Basel (4*)
hotel-maerthof-basel.ch

Birsighof

Simple and elegant accommodation with family flair in the heart of Basel. (3*)
birsighof.ch

Basel Youth Hostel

Modern comfort within historic walls.
youthhostel.ch/hostels/basel