Lohengrin: Behind the Scenes - Never Shalt Thou Ask of Me

Mon 15 Oct 2007 4:55PM - 6:05PM
Tue 16 Oct 2007 11:20AM - 12:30PM
Thu 18 Oct 2007 4:50PM - 6:00PM
Sun 21 Oct 2007 3:55PM - 5:05PM

A revealing and fascinating SkyArts documentary, this programme examines how the opera’s themes of magic, vengeance, rivalry and immorality are signified and followed throughout. It is interspersed with interviews from the cast and key members of the production team, which gives the viewer a behind-the-scenes look at Wagner’s classic opera.

Lohengrin
Mon 15 Oct 2007 8:00PM - 11:30PM
Tue 16 Oct 2007 2:00PM - 5:30PM
Thu 18 Oct 2007 8:00AM - 11:30AM
Sat 20 Oct 2007 2:00PM - 5:30PM

The opera itself tells the tale of Elsa, accused of her brother’s murder, who summons in her defence a knight from her dreams. The knight (Lohengrin) appears in a boat drawn by a swan, defeats Elsa’s accuser (Telramund) but spares his life, declares Elsa innocent and asks for her hand in marriage. Telramund and his wife are banished, but return and accuse Lohengrin of necromancy. This accusation is rejected, but the seeds of doubt are sown in Elsa’s mind and in the bridal chamber she asks Lohengrin whether he is a magician. He reveals that he is son of King Parsifal (of the Holy Grail legend) and has only waited to clear Elsa’s name, but now he must leave. As a parting gift, the swan which brought Lohengrin’s boat dives into the river and reappears as Elsa’s lost brother. Lohengrin leaves, but Elsa is distraught at the loss of her loved one and promptly falls down dead.