Der fliegende Holländer

Wagner probably never imagined the implications of technology for his concept of gesamtkunstwerk, or total artwork. The height of this was opera, which incorporates music, visual art, costuming, acting and more. Now the cinema is part of that idea as Wagner’s Der fliegende Holländer comes to the River Oaks Theatre. The Flying Dutchman, or Der fliegende Holländer, tells the story of a sea captain who encounters the mythical Dutchman, a ghost captain who is cursed to sail the seas until he can find a wife who will be faithful to him. The captain promises his beautiful daughter to the ghost; ultimately, the girl sacrifices herself to the sea to save her ghostly betrothed, and they ascend to heaven side by side. Jason Brunelle, house manager of the River Oaks Theatre, thinks that the cinematic approach to opera can allow the audience to experience more detail than can be seen in a standard staged production. “A good director really makes seeing opera on screen a great experience. On screen, they can make sure everyone sees the most important things no matter what seat they’re in,” Brunelle said.

Opera fans may be concerned about the sound quality of such a broadcast, but Brunelle thinks the sounds of the stage translate very well into this performance format. “I personally think the sound remains top-notch in theater broadcasts,” he said. Director Daniel Dooner leads the cast in a single-set production by Tim Albery. It was nominated for an Olivier, an award for excellence in theater by the Society of London Theatre.
The title character is sung by renowned Welsh bass-baritone Bryn Terfel, and his love interest, Senta, is sung by Canadian soprano Adrianne Pieczonka. The cinematic screening will most likely include an aspect of intimacy with the performers — often, the intermission will be filled with interviews with performers, the conductor or the director, which is a perk that live performances simply can’t offer.

Another benefit of opera screenings is the comfortable atmosphere that they create for the audience. “It would be easy to be intimidated by the price of admission to live opera. The Royal Opera House screenings we do are much more affordable, and there’s no need to dress up,” Brunelle said.

Opera for less, and you can enjoy theater snacks during the show? Count us in. Presented in German with English subtitles.

11 a.m. on March 29 at River Oaks Theatre, 2009 West Gray. For information, visit landmarktheatres.com. $15.

Sun., March 29, 11 a.m., 2015