In Das  Rheingold , the eve of Richard Wagner's tetralogy Der Ring des Nibelungen , the course is set for the end of the world. The catastrophe takes its course when two completely contradictory world views collide. The tragedy of Alberich, who believes that as a mortal he must take everything within his own lifetime. And the drama of Wotan, who in his - real or supposed - immortality must recognize the emptiness and uniformity of eternal existence.

With  Das Rheingold,  Tobias Kratzer is launching his new production of Wagner's  Ring - a total work of art, the four evenings of which will premiere over three seasons. While the reception of Wagner in recent decades has tended to emphasize the human characteristics of the gods and the entire Ring of the Nibelung has often served as a foil for biting criticism of capitalism, the future director of the Hamburg State Opera is primarily interested in the motif of faith and its significance for our society today. At present, gods and goddesses lead a rather niche existence.

Ian will sing the role of Froh.