Boos, Boos and More Boos Greet Bayreuth ‘Ring’ Director

The audience erupted in what can only be described as a standing boo-ation after the Bayreuth Festival premiere of “Gotterdammerung,” the last of the four operas in Richard Wagner’s “Ring” cycle.

This year is the composer’s 200th birthday. Bayreuth premiere guests were in no mood to celebrate. The director Frank Castorf seemed determined to stick it out, standing on stage for a good 10 minutes, bowing graciously and making thumbs-up gestures. The incensed audience was mostly on its feet. Only a handful clapped; most of the rest booed.