Ten things to learn from Das Rheingold in Brexit Island
The Ring cycle is about to begin at Covent Garden, and yesterday a friend kindly invited me to the dress rehearsal of Das Rheingold . Operas that feel pertinent to the world at large are rare animals in this stressed-out era, but the timeless issues that percolate through Wagner's two-hours-40-mins-no-break prelude couldn't be more relevant if they tried, despite concerning gods, giants, Nibelungs, Rhinemaidens, shape-shifting and a cursed ring, and Keith Warner's production makes much of this. So here are ten things our Brexity politicians (some of whom are known to adore Wagner) can learn from it. Bloodied, worried and clinging to power: Bryn Terfel as Wotan in 2012 Photo: Clive Barda/ROH 1. Do not piss off giants. They are bigger than you and they can take hostages. You are overestimating your own power. 2. Do not break your promises. It's called cheating. Giants don't appreciate it, especially when they've given you a massive contribution to your world in ...