Germanic heroic material: British artists reinterpret the Nibelungen saga

The Nibelungen Festival in Worms, Germany, opens today with an unconventional British reimagining of the classic German saga. The London-based theater company Les Enfants Terribles presents 'Die Hunnenkönigin' ('The Hun Queen'), offering a new perspective on the legendary tale on the stage before the historic Worms Cathedral.

This unique production centers on Kriemhild, the Burgundian princess, who evolves into a vengeful ruler of the Huns following the assassination of Siegfried, the dragon slayer. Festival director Nico Hofmann promises a visually stunning rendition of this intricate medieval thriller, exploring themes of power, betrayal, and revenge.

Adding a contemporary musical layer, German-Canadian pop singer Alice Merton, known for her hit 'No Roots,' has composed and will perform songs live for the production. The lead role of Kriemhild is portrayed by actress Maria Dragus, marking her theater debut. The festival runs until August 2.

Notable guests expected at the premiere include German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and the Minister-President of Rhineland-Palatinate, Gordon Schnieder. The Nibelungen Festival, held in one of Germany's oldest cities, has been a recurring event since 2002, attracting audiences to its grandstand which seats approximately 1,400 people.