Work: Die Frau ohne Schatten (The Woman Without a Shadow) – Richard Strauss
Festival: Festival d’Aix-en-Provence 2026
Platform: ARTE Concert
Conductor: Klaus Mäkelä
Production: Barrie Kosky
Cast: Michael Spyres (Emperor), Vida Miknevičiūtė (Empress), Nina Stemme (Nurse), Ambur Braid
Recorded: 9 July 2026, Festival d’Aix-en-Provence, France
Duration: 253 minutes
Available: Free on demand until 9 July 2029, 18:59 (CEST)
Region availability: Please note that the stream may not be available in all countries.
Richard Strauss’ monumental Die Frau ohne Schatten is now available to watch free on demand in a newly filmed production from the 2026 Festival d’Aix-en-Provence, remaining online until 9 July 2029 (subject to regional availability).
One of the most ambitious operas in the German repertoire, Die Frau ohne Schatten premiered in Vienna in 1919 and stands as the culmination of Strauss’ creative partnership with librettist Hugo von Hofmannsthal. Blending fairy tale, mythology and psychological drama, the work follows the Empress, daughter of the Spirit King, who must obtain a shadow—a symbol of her humanity—within three days or lose her mortal husband forever.
For this new Aix production, Australian director Barrie Kosky moves away from traditional readings that equate the shadow primarily with motherhood. Instead, he presents the opera as a meditation on human consciousness, portraying the Empress’ journey as a search for self-knowledge, compassion and moral awakening. Without reducing the work to a single interpretation, Kosky highlights its enduring themes of love, empathy and the acceptance of both the light and darkness within human nature.
The production is conducted by Klaus Mäkelä, who leads Strauss’ vast orchestral score, while the cast features Michael Spyres as the Emperor, Vida Miknevičiūtė as the Empress, Nina Stemme as the Nurse and Ambur Braid.
Filmed on 9 July 2026 at the Festival d’Aix-en-Provence, this performance offers audiences a chance to experience one of Strauss’ richest and most challenging masterpieces in a visually striking contemporary staging.
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