"End to Unamusing Antics"
In the historic town of Bayreuth, the 2023 Bayreuth Festival has been a buzz with excitement, and the latest production of Wagner's Meistersinger by director Matthias Davids is no exception.
Davids' take on the opera is a departure from the traditional, opting for a carefree and burlesque approach that delights and entertains. The second act features a giant, upside-down, colorful bouncy castle cow, a playful nod to previous productions. The cow, adorned with the inscription "Milk is a matter of trust" on a poster, adds a whimsical touch to the opera, casting aside any historical significance for the sake of entertainment.
The festival choir, under the leadership of Thomas Eitler-de Lint, delivers a powerful and problem-free performance. The individual performances are equally impressive. Michael Nagy portrays Beckmesser with a pop-sounding interpretation, while Michael Spyres delivers an unaffected, brave, and vocally beautiful performance as Stolzing. Christina Nilsson, as Eva, shines with self-assurance and occasional dramatic emancipation, captivating the audience with her performance. Matthias Stier, playing as David, captivates with his bright tenor.
Georg Zeppenfeld delivers a self-reflective portrayal of Hans Sachs, a character that seems out of place in the modernized Nuremberg setting. The production seems to send a message: Don't give us another problem. Instead, Matthias Davids offers escapism, declaring opera as a form of entertainment sugar.
The premiere audience was thrilled, undisturbed, and unbothered by any problems arising from the performance. The true festival restaurant Wolffenzacher has been saved, bringing joy to Bayreuth enthusiasts. The success of this production has led to Bayreuth being declared the "coolest and best festivals in the world."
Matthias Davids' production continues with Eva being carried onto the festival meadow like a slaughter ox in a flower corset, inspired by the horror thriller Midsommar. Beckmesser pulls the plug on the festival meadow, the cow deflates, and Eva leaves with Stolzing, marking the end of the opera.
It's worth noting that the last two Meistersinger productions in Bayreuth were highly political. Director Barrie Kosky transformed the opera into a tribunal at the Nuremberg trials, while a giant black Jewish balloon was inflated in his production, symbolizing Pogrom night. In contrast, Davids' production steers clear of politics, opting for a lighter, more entertaining approach.
The Bayreuth Festival continues to push boundaries and deliver unique and captivating productions. Matthias Davids' Meistersinger is a testament to the festival's commitment to innovation and entertainment.
