arts
The Flying Dutchman review
Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Jack Furness’s unconventional staging for Welsh National Opera sees the orchestra play up a storm under Tomáš Hanus in Wagner’s legend of the man condemned to sail the oceans for eternity
TL;DR
- Jack Furness's staging for Welsh National Opera's The Flying Dutchman uses unconventional elements, starting with a woman in childbirth to mirror Senta's fate.
- The production focuses on visual metaphors and emotions, with muted colors and lighting creating a sense of menace, and the absence of extraneous details sharpening the focus on the narrative.
- The WNO orchestra, conducted by Tomáš Hanus, provides a powerful musical performance.
- The cast, including James Creswell, Simon Bailey, and Rachel Nicholls, is praised for their vocal performances and portrayal of characters.
- The article suggests that the production, despite its strengths, does not offer a conventional ending.