Die Walküre

It's time to break out those fancy opera glasses—Richard Wagner's Die Walküre is making its debut at the Greek National Opera. This international collaboration with the Royal Danish Opera will be conducted by music maestro Philippe Auguin and orchestrated by acclaimed British director John Fulljames.

Wagner created Die Walküre, the second act of his epic The Ring of the Nibelung, in Dresden between 1841 and 1849, drawing inspiration from Aeschylus' Oresteia trilogy and the Germanic vibes of the mid-19th century. The plot explores themes such as power, marriage and social criticism and its intensely dramatic and innovative music has influenced generations of composers. And who could forget the iconic "Ride of the Valkyries", which Francis Ford Coppola memorably used in Apocalypse Now (1979)?

Fulljames creates a fictional universe, a setting where myth and reality meet. His focus lies on the main character, Wotan—whom he approaches as a 21st century creative entrepreneur, rather than a typical 19th century industrialist—as he is forced to face the consequences of his actions. This new version also has a broader ecological context, making it even more relevant today.