Interpretations of Lohengrin
A Talk by Dr. David Gosling.
Monday 10th November at 19:00 via Zoom.
Wagner says that Lohengrin’s longing was “for the only thing sufficient to redeem him from his loneliness, to still his deep desire for Love, for being loved.”
But why does Lohengrin forbid Elsa to ask what is his name or from whence does he come? What does Lohengrin represent – charismatic warrior and nationalist saviour? son of Parsifal – pure, mystical carrier of the grail legend? or an alpha male in the manosphere?
In this talk I hope to encourage discussion of the different meanings that have been attached to this opera which has been radically reinterpreted in recent productions. I ask, ‘Are there any limits to the ways an opera can be reimagined – reinterpreted – by the director?’