Guardian to stream behind the scenes of Die Walkure

[Belgrove]

The Guardian is streaming a behind the scenes view of act 3 of the ROH Die Walkure on Monday.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2013/jan/04/die-walkure-royal-opera-house

[Resurrection Man]

In fact it's all throughout the day

We are just making sure you have marked your calendar forMonday 7 January, from 10.30am (GMT) for Royal Opera Live, presented by one of the UK’s most esteemed broadcasters, Kirsty Wark. Royal Opera Live will be broadcast around the world online and free on roh.org.uk, the Guardian website and the new, digital arts service, The Space. The day promises to offer an unprecedented glimpse into life behind the scenes with ten hours of uninterrupted Royal Opera activity, including live rehearsals, interviews and insights, all from the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London.
The Space looks intriguing as it is giving different camera views, I believe.

But many thanks for the reminder...guess that's an extra day's holiday tomorrow ! Pity about Brunhilde, though.

[kernelbogey]

I've just watched the fascinating film of the backstage work through Walkuere Act III. We heard all the Deputy Stage Manager's cues as a running commentary to shots of costume changes, singers coming off for a swig of water, the fire being lit - Bryn kitted out with a gas cylinder and gas tube so he can pick up 'Loge' to burn in the palm of his hand.... and so on. The music and voices become the background to an electrifying drama with split-second work by stage crews, electricians, lighting people, dressers - I think 189 people working on the production over and above performers. A thrilling piece of film and theatre.

[kernelbogey]

Belgrove - many thanks for the heads up. I could easily have missed it.

[Resurrection Man]

Yup...brilliant. I 'borrowed' my wife's iMac to show me the backstage view, used mine for the performance connected to the hi-fi and my old Mac Pro was woken up to give me a view of the orchestra pit. Three screens arranged in a row.. Pure magic.

[grandchant]

It's still available for another couple of days on the ROH website.

[Belgrove]

Wow - wasn't that terrific! The professionalism on display is of the highest order - I have nothing but admiration for the entire team. Quite a drama backstage when Bryn's magic fire fails to light-up. A brilliant showcase of what the Royal Opera does, ticking all the `outreach' boxes.
Do try to catch it while you can.

[kernelbogey]

How fascinating that the action on stage and in the pit became the background for the heroicstruggles of the techies behind the scenes and in the wings!

And the extraoridnary unflappability of the Deputy Stage Manager calling cues to everyone for six and a half hours: I thought she was the heroine.

Not having seen the production I found the fire scene stunning. (Two previous Covent Garden theatres burned down, as was the wont with eighteenth century theatres!)

[Mr Pee]

How fascinating that the action on stage and in the pit became the background for the heroicstruggles of the techies behind the scenes and in the wings!

And the extraoridnary unflappability of the Deputy Stage Manager calling cues to everyone for six and a half hours: I thought she was the heroine.

Not having seen the production I found the fire scene stunning. (Two previous Covent Garden theatres burned down, as was the wont with eighteenth century theatres!)

As one who works in theatre myself, the skill of the DSM in calling a show, never mind one as complicated as Die Walkure, should not be underestimated. And as somebody who mainly works backstage, it's great to see the unsung heroes and heroines of theatre getting some of the limelight for a change. Most audience members have no idea of the huge amount of work that goes on backstage to keep a show running. The smooth scene changes and technical wizardry that occur during a professional theatrical production are the result of long hours, great skill, a lot of hard work, and often some distinctly post- watershed language!!

My longest working week, while teching a show that had innumerable problems, was 76 hours, Monday to Saturday. And when we opened for our first preview, in front of the paying public, we still hadn't run the second act......

But I love it. The satisfaction when everything slots into place, and the show just runs like clockwork, is immense.

[Vile Consort]

I have seen the production and the blast of heat that reached me towards the back of the stalls was impressive. Heaven knows what it was like on stage! I'm glad I did the production first though - wondering "how the hell do they do that" is part of the experience.

I would never have imagined there would be so much activity going on all the time. It makes the mind boggle that it's possible to do at all, never mind that it can be done so well.

[Mr Pee]

I have seen the production and the blast of heat that reached me towards the back of the stalls was impressive. Heaven knows what it was like on stage! I'm glad I did the production first though - wondering "how the hell do they do that" is part of the experience.

I would never have imagined there would be so much activity going on all the time. It makes the mind boggle that it's possible to do at all, never mind that it can be done so well.

I remember that blast of heat as well- I was about halfway back in the stalls. It was a remarkable moment.

[Sydney Grew]

The Guardian is streaming a behind the scenes view of act 3 of the ROH Die Walkure on Monday. . . .

The greater gossip - talking points for the drudges. But where is the Art?

[MrGongGong]

The greater gossip - talking points for the drudges. But where is the Art?

It's behind you !
Oh no it isn't !
Oh yes it is !

[Mr Pee]

The greater gossip - talking points for the drudges. But where is the Art?

What on earth are you on about? <D'Oh>

[Vile Consort]

The greater gossip - talking points for the drudges. But where is the Art?

It's about the art and technology of making Art. What did you think it was? A washing powder advertisement?