(Credits: Jan Windszusc)

In anticipation of his upcoming new production of “The Ring Cycle,” Barrie Kosky is speaking out about HD and live streaming.

In a recent interview with the Times U.K.,  the director said, “Live stream and television HD of opera has been one of the biggest disasters. Now that I’m not an intendant [opera house manager] I can say — my job is to bring people into the theatre for a live experience. And if they have to travel to do that, then they should travel to do that.”

He added, “I don’t think the payoff is big enough to say ‘we’re bringing opera to a huge audience.’ It doesn’t work like that. They don’t come. We should not be encouraging people to see opera in two dimensions.”

However, his production is planned to hit cinemas as part of the Royal Opera’s HD series.

In the interview, he also spoke about the issues with the Arts Council England as well as the growing far-right party in Germany which has weaponized identity politics.

Barrie Kosky’s “Das Rheingold” is set to open on Sept. 11 and will also be broadcast in cinemas on Sept. 20, 2023.