Inaugral Production of Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre, Dublin on Sept 30th, Oct 3rd and 6th 2012. Tickets available on www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie

The first performances of Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde in Ireland in almost 50 years. It’s being put on by a new opera company I have established and it takes place at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre as part of the Dublin Theatre Festival on Sept 30^th, Oct 3^rd and 6^th. I hope you will be able to attend.

Trisan and Isolde’s love affair has a difficult start. Before the opera opens, Tristan had killed Isolde’s Irish fiance and had sent his severed head back to her. But Tristan, wounded in the battle, could only be cured by Isolde. He came to Ireland in disguise, and although she recognized him, she cured him nonetheless. As the opera opens, Tristan has returned again to Ireland to claim Isolde as a bride for his uncle, King Mark. She intends to kill him with a death potion, but when the poison is mixed up with a love potion, the latent desires of both characters burst out into an all-consuming passionate affair, which must be conducted in secret. Gradually it becomes clear that the only true way the lovers can be free and united is through death.

The music of Tristan is renowned for is expressiveness. Wagner invented new harmonies and used his massive orchestra to create a unique sense of longing and desire. Right from the opening bars of the opera the music searches for a resolution that only occurs at the very end. In the mean time there is music that is exquisitely romantic, at times full-blooded and sensual as well as heartbreakingly tragic.

In order to make this massive undertaking possible, Wide Open Operas has been fortunate to assemble a team of partners and supporters. The Bord Gais Energy Theatre has been hugely supportive from the outset. The production originated in Welsh National Opera although it is presented in Dublin with an entirely new Irish company. Originally directed and designed by Yannis Kokkos it is revived by Peter Watson. It is a wonderfully clear production that tells the story imaginatively and directly. The RTE National Symphony Orchestra will perform in the pit, and it is a huge privilege to have such a team of outstanding musicians. It is their first collaboration with an Irish opera company for over a decade, and a welcome opportunity for them to showcase this extraordinary orchestral score. The Dublin Theatre Festival are also supporting this production and presenting it as a major element of their 2012 programme. There are a number of media partners including RTE lyric fm who will broadcast the opera, Athena Media who will make a radio documentary on the opera and Platform Ireland who will web stream the opening night live. All of this activity is possible because of the generous support of The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaion.

Performances

Sunday 30^th September 17:00

Wednesday 3^rd October 18:00

Saturday 6^th October 17:00

Venue

Bord Gais Energy Theatre, Dublin

Performance Information

Sung in German with English Surtitles

Total Duration: 5 hours 15 mins (including two intervals)

Picnic Baskets available at Theatre for longer interval

Tickets:

Tickets cost€15 – €85

Booking: www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie