Der Fliegende Hollander - Adelaide 2009

Terence Watson

For me, the most arresting and memorable Dutchman I've seen live was the 2003 Bayreuth production directed by Claus Guth, conducted electrifyingly by Marc Albrecht, but sung with mixed results by Jukka Rasilainen (Dutchman), Jaako Rhyaenen (Daland), Adrienne Dugger (Senta - the best voice by far), Endrik Wottrich (Erik - hunky to look at, but not a patch on Stuart Skelton's power, lyricism and accuracy), Uta Priew (Mary - a bit past it) and Norbert Ernst (the helmsman - had a much bigger, rather scary, acting  part than usual). I reviewed this production for the Wagner Society in 2004.  In short, it had an intelligent, if somewhat old-fashioned Freudian, interpretation to offer, plus some very scary marionettish Dutch sailors singing and dancing like demented automatons at the end.

The Adelaide production tried to create interesting atmospheric effects with blue & green lasers for the sea and a red one for the Dutchman, although I'm sure that the red laser failed at the moment of the Dutchman's final entrance in the Saturday night finale. However, when the lasers weren't being used, the very bare stage for the rest of the time was anti-climactic. I should mention the treasure-chest that rose from under the stage radiating golden light when the Dutchman tempted Daland with an offer he couldn't refuse - and then got the extra offer of his daughter's hand as well as a place to stay! Very effective.