Theater Erfurt Cancels Wagner's RING CYCLE Following Low Attendance & Spending Freeze

Theater Erfurt has announced the cancellation of Richard Wagner's Ring Cycle, citing significant financial challenges. The company will proceed with its production of Das Rheingold for this season, but all subsequent installments of Wagner's tetralogy will be postponed indefinitely.

In lieu of the planned Ring Cycle productions for the 2024-25 season, Theater Erfurt will present Felix Mendelssohn’s oratorio Elijah. 

The decision to cancel the Ring Cycle is the latest in a series of challenges for Theater Erfurt. The theater recently placed its General Director, Guy Montavon, on temporary leave following allegations of sexual assault and abuse of power. Additionally, in December 2023, Music Director Alexander Prior resigned from his position for personal reasons, two years after his appointment.

Financial difficulties have further complicated the theater's operations. A spending freeze of one million euros was imposed on the institution by the city for the year 2024. The theater is also grappling with a deficit of approximately three million euros, attributed to declining attendance figures, increased personnel costs, and other financial pressures.

In a recent report, The New York Times highlighted the significant struggles opera companies are facing in their post-pandemic recovery - with attendance in the US being down 22%, while costs for all aspects of production have increased.