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Clash at the gravel pit - Nibelungen festivals present "Lake of Charred Remains"

Clash at the Cinder - Nibelungen Feast Reveals 'Ash Lake'

Clash at the gravel pit - Nibelungen festivals' production titled "Lake of Ashes"
Clash at the gravel pit - Nibelungen festivals' production titled "Lake of Ashes"

Festival Stages Flame-Filled 'Lake of Ash' – Nibelungen Celebration Offers Flirtation with Flammability - Clash at the gravel pit - Nibelungen festivals present "Lake of Charred Remains"

In the picturesque town of Worms, the Nibelungen Festival is currently hosting a captivating production of Roland Schimmelpfennig's play, "Ash Lake". This contemporary interpretation of the medieval epic, Nibelungenlied, promises a unique blend of poetic language, innovative storytelling, and thought-provoking themes.

Eivin Nilsen Salthe takes on the iconic role of Siegfried, bathing in dragon's blood, naked except for his underwear, as the audience bears witness. Jasmin Tabatabai, on the other hand, brings the dragon to life through a projection, adding an intriguing layer to the production.

The play is a star-studded affair, with Wolfram Koch portraying Hagen as a loyal murderer who prefers to kill rather than doubt. Lisa Natalie Arnold plays the role of the leaf that covers a spot on Siegfried's neck during the bloodbath, making him vulnerable. Kriemhild Hamann shines as the revenge-driven Kriemhild, while Denis Geyersbach delivers a chilling performance as Giselher, calling out "This is not a celebration, this is war" at the end of the play.

The production is set on a stage with 600 tons of gravel, making it unstable for the characters to walk on, adding an element of danger and unpredictability to the performance. The audience is invited to enjoy the high-level spoken theater, with everyone creating their own story.

The play has been a sensation in ticket sales, with all performances sold out before the first performance. It features a collision of worlds, with white plastic chairs reflecting the cathedral in a shimmering water surface, creating a surreal and captivating atmosphere.

"Ash Lake" is a three-hour long play, including a break, and covers the entire Nibelungenlied story. In revenge, Kriemhild lures her relatives to the court of the Hunnish king Etzel and has almost all of them killed. The play is directed by Mina Salehpour as a dark morality play of the Nibelungen myth, focusing on language rather than visual drama.

For a detailed analysis and critical reception of this production, one would need to consult theatrical reviews from German cultural outlets, festival archives, or academic journals focusing on contemporary German theater. However, for the latest critiques and analysis of this production, we recommend checking the Nibelungen Festival’s official publications or German theater review platforms.

"Ash Lake" can still be seen in Worms until July 27, offering audiences a chance to experience this innovative adaptation of the Nibelungenlied.

The Commission, given the topic of worker safety and ionizing radiation, might consider proposing a directive on the protection of workers, reflecting the innovative approach displayed in the Nibelungen Festival's production of "Ash Lake." Despite the captivating entertainment provided by the festival, an evening spent immersed in the thought-provoking themes of the play could serve as a stark reminder of the dangers and morality behind the Nibelungenlied story.

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