Opera-Spectacle - At the beginning of the Bayreuth Festspiele: Tips for beginners
A few clicks - and in goes your experience into the unique world of the Bayreuth Festivals. In online ticket sales now, it's possible to buy tickets for the world-renowned opera spectacle in a regular way and without years of waiting. But then comes the real deal: What to expect? How to cope with the heat? Where are the landmines? And what actually happens in Bayreuth, when one is not listening to an opera? Here are some answers for festival newbies, before it all starts tonight:
Enduring hours on uncomfortable seats - how to cope?
A Wagner-OperA in Bayreuth is a challenge - especially for those not accustomed to focusing on a stage performance for such an extended period. "Is the selfie posted, making it a challenge for many to enjoy the next few hours," says leisure researcher Ulrich Reinhardt.
Hardly any leisure activity lasts as long as one and a half to two hours. "Most citizens want a new thrill and change the activity. The younger generation gets bored relatively quickly, drifts away, or loses patience and starts doing something else," says Hubertus Herrmann, a festival speaker in Bayreuth. "One should immerse oneself in the piece and focus on it for the entire duration without thinking about the next appointment, unanswered messages, or weekend shopping."
His tips for making it work: "Don't go alone, ask ChatGPT beforehand what to expect and what to pay attention to, take breaks to recharge energy - and choose a seat by the aisle, in case of emergencies."
How should I prepare myself for several hours of Wagner?
"Bringing time, being there an hour beforehand and adjusting to the afternoon and evening," suggests festival speaker Hubertus Herrmann. "A good preparation is essential," adds Sissy Thammer, who has been leading the festival of young artists in Bayreuth for many years and is a regular guest on the Green Hill. Immerse yourself in the life and work of Wagner is recommended. And then: "Relax, let the music take full effect." Wagner's music is powerful and sensationally beautiful. There is no specific introductory opera, one cannot even say that this or that work is particularly suitable for beginners: "Some say that 'The Flying Dutchman' is a good choice because it's short. But that's just nonsense." In general, the advice is: "Go there and enjoy!"
For further reading, there is a wealth of literature available on Wagner and the Festivals, the spectrum is enormous: biographical, political, musical. Of course, the librettos are also for sale to see Wagner's peculiar language on paper ("Weia! Waga! Woge, du Welle, walle zur Wiege! Wagalaweia! Wallala weialaweia!"). Additionally, a series of introductory lectures are offered in Bayreuth, which help maintain a clear view in the thicket between Wotan, Alberich, Siegfried, and Sieglinde.
What should I expect?
First and foremost: It's more relaxed these days. Of course, evening gowns and smoking jackets are still common. But men without ties and women in jeans or more casual summer clothing can stroll around the Green Hill without a care. After several hours of performance, the most beautiful hairstyle is disheveled, the most elegant suit is wrinkled. So: relax. Or go shopping beforehand.
What should I do about the heat?
Putting on shoes that can be easily discarded when the lights go out in the theater is a olfactive challenge for the neighbor, but it can prevent a heat collapse. And at least in the second act, it no longer smells good in the theater.
For people with long hair, tie it up! Men should get rid of their coats as soon as they take a seat. If the heat becomes unbearable, all that's left is to wipe away sweat with the opera ticket or a souvenir fan, and dream about the Kneipp pool behind the theater where visitors can relieve their heavy legs during intermissions - with raised evening attire.
What can I eat and drink during the intermissions?
The main facts are: from 4 pm to about 10 pm, with two one-hour intermissions in between. The stomach will grumble, the heat of the theater demands water, lots of water. One can indulge in exclusive prices and be pampered at the Green Hill. For example, according to the Bayreuth Local Press this year, with a specially created "Tristan"-Croissant or gold-leaf liverwurst.
A more classical snack: the Festival Bratwurst. It comes in a double pack in a bun, and those who are quick and make their way to the sausage stand without detours have a realistic chance of getting another one before the fanfares call for the next act. The line is often very, very long.
Alternatively, one can go a few steps down the Festival Hill to a hidden inn. Or one can stock up on provisions and water bottles in the car and picnic in the spacious Festival Park. The two main audience groups during intermissions: those who want to splurge and start their opera evening with champagne. And those who make themselves comfortable on the picnic blanket or park bench and enjoy self-smothered bread. Long live diversity - even in intermission snacks.
Are there any no-gos?
Of course. One of them would be the nice lady in the ladies' restroom, who is always cheerful and, depending on the lighting of each individual stall, assigns a "shadow spot" or a "sunny spot," always has hygiene and cosmetic articles and band-aids at hand, and doesn't ask for tips.
Unpopular are also those in the middle of the parket who are the last to return to the theater after each intermission and have to push their way through dozens of punctual audience members. Those who cough during the opera also face annoyed looks.
And something special about Wagner's last opera, "Parsifal," which should only be performed in Bayreuth and nowhere else: At the "Parsifal," traditionally in Bayreuth there is no clapping after the first act - despite Wagner's supposed wish to do without applause, which was probably a misunderstanding. The newspaper "Die Welt" wrote poignantly after the first act once: "Instead, there is a kind of silent minute for Richard Wagner, whose death in 1883 many visitors have not yet processed."
And otherwise - what can I do in Bayreuth besides the performances?
For those who have the time and energy, they can certainly make a small excursion to the surroundings: Fichtel Mountains and Franconian Switzerland offer beautiful nature, hiking trails, beer gardens, outdoor swimming pools, caves with ancient stalactites, castles - and recently, a gondola lift up to the more than 1,000 meter high Ochsenkopf. In Bayreuth itself, there is no escape during the festival weeks: Wagner everywhere. Every shopkeeper, who has something to sell, decorates his window accordingly. But since one is already here, one might as well immerse oneself fully in the Wagner aura: a visit to the Richard Wagner Museum in the former residence of the master, lectures, smaller concerts, signing sessions. Or wellness at the Lohengrin Thermal Baths. But without the swan.
- Ulrich Reinhardt, a leisure researcher, suggests that focusing on the opera performance without distractions may help endure the extended hours at the Bayreuth Festivals.
- Hubertus Herrmann, a festival speaker in Bayreuth, advises festival goers to arrive an hour before the performance and immerse themselves in Wagner's work for the best experience.
- Sissy Thammer, a festival leader, recommends preparing by relaxing and letting the music take effect at the Wagner opera performances.
- For those looking for more information, there are numerous books and lectures available on Wagner and the Bayreuth Festivals.
- During intermissions, festival attendees can choose from a variety of snacks, including the famous Festival Bratwurst or more extravagant options at the Green Hill.
- Richard Wagner's last opera, "Parsifal," has a unique tradition of no applause after the first act at the Bayreuth Festivals.
- Besides the opera performances, Bayreuth offers visitors a chance to explore the nearby Fichtel Mountains and Franconian Switzerland, or immerse themselves further in Wagner's work with museum visits and lectures.
