The Salzburg Easter Festival 2026 unveils a groundbreaking production of Wagner’s Das Rheingold, directed by the acclaimed Kirill Serebrennikov. This performance promises to redefine contemporary opera scenography, bringing together music, physical theatre and visual art, with sculptural contributions by Recycle Group as part of the overall vision.
A post-apocalyptic vision of Wagner
In his interpretation of Das Rheingold, Serebrennikov reimagines the first part of Wagner’s tetralogy as a journey across a post-apocalyptic world. As humanity recovers from catastrophe, it rebuilds itself across continents, forging new beliefs, rituals, and identities. This immersive world theatre concept positions Wagner not merely within the context of the European tradition, but as a universal cultural experience, blending artistic languages from Africa, Asia and Europe.
From 2026 onwards, the Salzburg Easter Festival will also feature a new production of Schoenberg’s Moses und Aron, creating a compelling dialogue between canonical operas and contemporary interpretations.
Recycle Group and opera scenography: sculptures as active stage elements
Invited by Serebrennikov, the Recycle Group’s sculptural contributions form part of the set design, marking their first collaboration with the opera world. Resembling technological remnants and ancient artefacts, their works are fully integrated into the scenography, interacting dynamically with performers and the monumental architecture of the Felsenreitschule.
“’Das Rheingold’ unfolds in a future that feels both apocalyptic and fragile. Familiar cultural fragments are transformed into relics or ruins, and our work helps create a world suspended between the old and the new,” the Recycle Group explains. Their work supports the visual narrative, contributing to a stage environment that feels interactive and alive.
The new Ring Cycle at Salzburg Easter Festival
Under the musical direction of Kirill Petrenko, the festival’s new production of Wagner’s Der Ring des Nibelungen will open with Das Rheingold, in accordance with the tetralogy’s chronological order. Christian Gerhaher makes his debut as Wotan, while Serebrennikov’s production features an international team including Slavna Martinovic and Olga Pavluk (co-costume and set design), Ivan Estegneev and DeLaVallet Bidiefono (choreography) and Daniil Orlov (dramaturgy).
In this ambitious reinterpretation, Serebrennikov blends traditional music with contemporary visual art to create a total work of art, fusing sound, sight and narrative in unprecedented ways.
All photography courtesy of FROL PODLESNYI
