I know that Wagner has a checkered reputation. His association with Hitler as his allegedly favourite composer has cast a shadow over his work. I am not well enough studied to know whether Wagner’s antisemitism was true or not, deep or shallow, though I am aware of his complaints over the influence of Jewish composers on German music. I am certain of HItler’s views however.
According to Bryan Magee, writer and Wagner scholar: ‘I sometimes think there are two Wagners in our culture, almost unrecognizably different from one another: the Wagner possessed by those who know his work, and the Wagner imagined by those who know him only by name and reputation.’
Whatever his views, I have come to love his work. Is this wrong? I don’t think so and hope not, after all many artists are tainted and flawed. I find his music dramatic and deeply moving and find myself listening to it over and over again.
You can imagine then my excitement when I found that Opera North were to stage a production of Der fliegende Holländer (The Flying Dutchman), at the Theatre Royal. After some negotiations with my wife I bought two tickets. They were selling fast and so I guess it is not just me then. I paid my money almost a year before the performance, which finally took place last weekend.
To me, The Flying Dutchman is a story about the perpetual wandering of mankind to find redemption through the unconditional love of another and so I was looking forward to a story set in the windswept coast of Norway, with amazing music and drama.
It was not to be, however. For some reason which I am still puzzling over, the main scenes were set in an office (the Home Office no less) and a nightclub. At the start of each scene there were references made towards the plight of refugees struggling to make their way to this country over cruel and unforgiving seas. I got the point yet it detracted from the story. It made no sense for officers workers to unfurl sails, or women sorting out baby clothes to sing about weaving and knitting. The production lost its edge and it became clear that politics and Wagner are still inseparable. Did I enjoy it? Yes, sort of. Would I go to see that production again? No, I wouldn’t. Has it put me off Wagner? Definitely not, I am still whistling the tunes.
I have liked a lot that Opera North has done, yet I just need to check next time before parting with my money.
Thoughts from a Guerrilla Worker 