After directing Wagner’s Ring Cycle in Hannover, Barrie Kosky vowed he would never tackle the epic tetralogy again. Then London’s Royal Ballet & Opera came calling. Chatting with Clive Paget, the in-demand, erudite, out-spoken director shares his views on Wagner and his various operas, and reveals why he agreed to revisit the Ring.

Barrie Kosky. Photo © Jan Windszus

At 59, Barrie Kosky is one of the most in-demand directors working in opera today. Not only have critics heaped praise on his psychologically sophisticated and frequently witty productions – in particular the Royal Ballet and Opera‘s ongoing Ring Cycle – singers and conductors adore him. In interviews, performers invariably mention the whirlwind of positive energy he brings with him into the rehearsal room. When I spoke...