In 1843, The Flying Dutchman, the first opera by the infamous Richard Wagner, was debuted at the Semperoper in Dresden, Germany. Now, over 160 years later, Pacific Opera Victoria is producing The Flying Dutchman at the Royal Theatre.
Steering the ship on the legendary production is nationally renowned director Glynis Leyshon. “You don’t get to do operas by Richard Wagner in North America very often,” she says. “Those kind of opportunities are rare and ones that I deeply treasure.”
The tale of The Flying Dutchman is one of adventure, chronicling the cursed voyage of a seafarer on his endless hunt for love and redemption. And with the inclusion of over 60 cast members, audiences should be in for an outstanding and unique operatic experience.
“It’s an enormous piece, in terms of the scale, so it is an intense musical experience for the singers,” says Leyshon.
You can also count on this opera to be unique, as Pacific Opera Victoria, unlike many other opera companies throughout Canada and the United States, originates all of their own productions.
“You’re in a wonderful position when you work here to really conceive of the opera in your own way,” says Leyshon, “and for a really specific audience that you know and understand.”
That means that the set is built from scratch and the director has free will to portray the opera as they see fit.
The Flying Dutchman will be performed in German, with English subtitles provided. But audience members shouldn’t be scared off by the foreign language, as the intriguing legend of The Flying Dutchman will be sure to keep them entertained until the curtains close after the final act.
“It is difficult and challenging, but very exciting,” says Leyshon. “And my favourite part is finding ways to keep bringing the story forward with these amazing singers to fill it theatrically, as well as musically.”
The Flying Dutchman
8pm, October 6, 8, 12
2:30pm, October 16
Royal Theatre
pov.bc.ca