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The Evolution and Influence of the Main Character of Classical Opera Production: A Case Study of Three Interpretations of the Finale of Act II in Parsifal

Author(s)

Kairui Li

Affiliation(s)

Australian National University, Canberra, Australia

Abstract

Parsifal is Wagner's final opera and remains one of the classic operas frequently performed on stage today, beloved by audiences. The finale of Act II is one of the climaxes of the entire work, where Parsifal achieves his apotheosis and defeats Klingsor, the symbol of evil. Taking this scene as an example, this paper analyzes the characterization of Parsifal and Klingsor, stage set design, and the integrated stage design of "casting the Holy Spear" in three different productions of Parsifal. It aims to reveal the evolution of the two production concepts, "Werktreue" (fundamentalist opera) and "Regieoper" (director's opera), and their impact on opera interpretation.

Keywords

Wagner; Parsifal; Opera Production; Regieoper; Werktreue

References

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