Die Macht des Rings (2026)

Die Macht des Rings is a German documentary about Richard Wagner's monumental Ring des Nibelungen cycle and the remarkable cultural influence it has accumulated since its first complete staging. The film looks beyond the operas themselves to examine how Wagner's ideas have been interpreted, appropriated, criticized, and reinvented over time.

The documentary connects the Ring with subjects ranging from Nazi-era appropriation and Hollywood to heavy metal and contemporary interpretations at Bayreuth. This broad approach makes the film as much about cultural power and interpretation as about opera.

• The documentary examines Wagner's Ring des Nibelungen cycle.
• The complete Ring consists of four operas and roughly 15 hours of music.
• The film discusses the Ring's relationship with Hollywood and heavy metal.
• It also considers contemporary approaches including the 2026 Bayreuth production.