Financial turbulence: Lohengrin disenchanted at the National Theater Mannheim!

Financial turbulence: Lohengrin disenchanted at the National Theater Mannheim!

On October 26, 2025, the National Theater Mannheim celebrated the premiere of Richard Wagner's opera “Lohengrin”. This production comes at a critical time, as the theater is facing major challenges due to financial difficulties and a costly renovation of the main building. An opera production has already had to be canceled, which further complicates the situation. But with “Lohengrin” the house is setting an example and taking a step into a new direction of interpretation.

Director Roger Vontobel has decided to radically question the work's romantic fable of redemption. In his interpretation, Lohengrin is portrayed as a frightening homunculus, and the orchestra's music under Roberto Rizzi Brignoli removes the magic of Wagner's well-known prelude. The production focuses on a court day linked to the witch trial and shows Elsa as a pawn sacrifice. Ortrud, as a representative of the old order, stands in contrast to Lohengrin, who not only acts as a hero, but also as a violent benefactor who goes into battle against Hungarian hordes.

A game with dark images

The stage design, designed by Fabian Wendling, presents a devastated forest of charred tree skeletons, which underlines the dark atmosphere of the production. Dramaturgically, the focus is on the figure of Ortrud, while the critical political framework plays a central role. This interpretation deviates from the classical understanding of Wagner's work and foregrounds the musical elements described by many as loud and less sonorous, with a dominant presence of woodwinds and brass.

For Wagner, “Lohengrin,” created between 1845 and 1848, is more than just a romantic opera. Inspired by medieval German romanticism, the opera tells the story of the Swan Knight who defends the Duchess Elsa of Brabant on the condition that she never asks his name. This theme not only stimulated Wagner's own creative processes, but also influenced numerous works of art, including the famous Neuschwanstein Castle by King Ludwig II of Bavaria. Hansel and Gretel – a title often associated with weddings as the “Bridal Chorus” is frequently played – is also one of the opera's most famous melodies.

The main roles and other performances

There were great voices on stage in the premiere: Jonathan Stoughton as Lohengrin, Astrid Kessler as Elsa, Joachim Goltz as Telramund, Julia Faylenbogen as Ortrud, Joachim Zielke as Heinrich and Nikola Diskić as the military leader. The performances will continue until January 2026, and the OPAL - Oper am Luisenpark in Mannheim will become an important place for lovers of Wagner's work.

“Lohengrin” is not only a significant work in opera history, but remains relevant today by raising questions about authority, identity and the constant struggle between different traditions. This new production at the National Theater Mannheim ensures that the audience does not just passively consume, but actively thinks and reflects on the topics shown. This challenge is particularly exciting, especially given the difficult circumstances in which the theater operates. In fact you could say:There's something going on!