Opening this Thursday at Film Society of Lincoln Center is Susan Froemke's fascinating documentary on Robert Lepage's recent staging of the Ring cycle at the Metropolitan Opera, Wagner's Dream:

“Opera’s most monumental challenge is certainly Richard Wagner’s Ring cycle: For more than a century, the ideal production of this four part, 16-hour opera has stymied directors, including Wagner himself. His cosmic vision of gods and mortals vying for power and destroyed by greed calls for astonishing stage visuals and action that takes place both underwater and in the heavens. Six years ago, visionary theater and film director Robert Lepage was invited by the Metropolitan Opera to take on the technical and aesthetic challenges of the Ring cycle, and Oscar-nominated documentary filmmaker Susan Froemke followed him on his quest. Wagner’s Dream examines Lepage’s artistic process, as well as the production team’s battles with the most ambitious staging in Met history, featuring a 90,000 pound computerized set known as 'The Machine.' In this spectacular film that itself takes on all the drama of an opera, Froemke offers an intimate look at the challenges and risks of live theater as well as the tremendous creativity and unflagging determination behind this daring attempt to realize Wagner’s dream of a perfect Ring.”

In conjunction with this exciting film event, we've teamed up with the folks at the Met for a very special trivia contest! Over the next three days, we'll be posting questions about Lepage's staging of the Ring cycle. Post your answers in the comments section below for a chance to win a free pair of tickets to a screening of the film! Please make sure to include your full name and the date and time of the screening you'd like to attend along with your guess. Winners: Two complimentary tickets will be left in your name at the Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center box office.

Question 1: Director Robert Lepage’s set is inspired by the movement of the tectonic plates.  What country did he visit to see this first hand?

Answer: Iceland
Winner: Jack Hirschorn

Question 2: Which diva declared that she would not climb back on to the “Machine” after a slip during a performance?

Answer: Deborah Voigt
Winner: Karmen Novoselev

Question 3: Bryn Terfel, who portrays Wotan in the Met’s Ring Cycle, finds a bent nail backstage before a performance for good luck.  What famous tenor did he picked up this practice from?

Answer: Luciano Pavarotti
Winner: Jessica Smith

Thanks to all who participated!