Martina Prins

A Danish prince becomes melancholic after the death of his father. But when the late king appears as a ghost and claims that he was murdered, events begin to spiral out of control. Ambroise Thomas’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s immortal play was one of the most popular grand opéras of its day. Inspired by the rich tradition of film noir, OPERA2DAY’s new production merges opera and film to penetrate deep into Hamlet’s mind, revealing his hidden memories, visions and dreams.

This is the Ring cycle of the Dutch National Opera, directed by Pierre Audi. Fleeing for his life, Siegmund seeks shelter at Sieglinde's house. Her husband Hunding happens to be one of Siegmund's pursuers, and the two of them must cross swords the next day. As Siegmund laments his lack of a weapon, Sieglinde directs him to the sword Nothung stuck in an ash tree. Despite discovering they are twin siblings, the two fall in love. The King of Gods Wotan, their father, sends his Valkyrie daughter Brünnhilde to aid Siegmund. Fricka protests, and Wotan uses his spear to break Siegmund's sword during the battle. Siegmund is slain, but Brünnhilde rescues both the sword fragments and Sieglinde who is pregnant with Siegmund's child Siegfried. Wotan is angry that she intervened, but since Brünnhilde is his favorite child, he merely strips her of immortality and sends her into an enchanted sleep, surrounded by fire.