"Mental manipulation through charm and persuasion is essential"
Music and Mayhem: Lydia Steier's "Tannhäuser" at the Vienna State Opera
Get ready for a powerful performance! Lydia Steier, the American director with Austrian roots, is set to bring a fresh take on "Tannhäuser" at the Vienna State Opera. The epic showdown begins next Thursday.
What to Expect
A Golden Goodbye
Philippe Jordan, the music director of the Staatsoper, is bidding adieu after the "Tannhäuser" premiere. Steier is stepping up to the plate with a lavish set by Momme Hinrichs.
The Star-Studded Cast
Clay Hilley takes on the title role, with Martin Gantner filling in for the indisposed Ludovic Tézier as Wolfram von Eschenbach. The ensemble also includes Günther Groissböck, Daniel Jenz, Ekaterina Gubanova, and Malin Byström.
A Love Story...With a Twist
According to Steier, "Tannhäuser" is more than a mere love story. It's a fuel for art and culture, a struggle against societal norms, and an exploration of male suffering and societal constraints on desire.
"Tannhäuser falls in love with seduction," Steier admits. "He's this figure on stage who's obviously hungry for life, for everything. But he lives in a society where fasting is fashionable."
A Wild Ride Through Time
Steier acknowledges the challenges of staging "Tannhäuser" at the Vienna State Opera. But she's not one to shy away from a fight. The production will pay homage to the legendary 1938 Staatsoper production of "Tannhäuser."
"We must show how dangerous desire can be for a society," Steier declares. "Wagner himself knew this best, living out his desires while also having reservations."
Redefining the Norm
Steier believes in pushing boundaries and creating opera that speaks to people today. "Great art works because it speaks to us across time - and that means now," she asserts.
"We mustn't shy away from confronting uncomfortable topics, like the Backlash to conservative morality, lifestyle, and taste," she adds.
So, strap in for an unforgettable ride as we explore the raw, gritty world of "Tannhäuser" at the Vienna State Opera. It's going to be a wild, wild show!
Lydia Steier's production of "Tannhäuser" promises to be more than just a love story; it also serves as an exploration of societal norms and male suffering, providing a fuel for contemporary art and culture. The ambitious director, known for pushing boundaries, plans to redefine the norm by addressing uncomfortable topics like the Backlash to conservative morality and lifestyle.
The energy of the production is set to be felt throughout the entertainment that Lydia Steier brings to the Vienna State Opera, with her fusion of the past and present creating a wild and unforgettable lifestyle experience.
