Stage design for Richard Wagner's opera "lohengrin", Act 1, scene 1 1905

This is Alfred Roller's stage design for Richard Wagner's opera "Lohengrin", Act 1, scene 1, and, looking at the bristling spears, you can almost feel the energy of the impending performance. The stark black and white palette does so much here, creating depth, drama, and a real sense of movement. I imagine Roller, standing in his studio, brush in hand, conjuring a scene that would transport audiences to another realm. The way he groups the figures, like dark masses against the lighter background, creates a sense of anticipation. What were the challenges of designing for such a grand production? How did he balance his artistic vision with the practicalities of theater? It’s a dance between representation and abstraction, not unlike the way Cy Twombly worked! This design makes me think about all the artists who have been inspired by the stage, and all the ways that painting and performance can come together to create something truly magical. Artists are constantly riffing off each other across time! It is an ongoing conversation.