The Flying Dutchman is Wagner’s tale of a cursed sailor doomed to roam the seas until redeemed by true love. When he meets Senta, a young woman from a lonely Norwegian village, destiny and obsession collide against the raging sea.
The existential alienation of people living in secluded coastal villages along the Norwegian fjords defines their daily lives. Left on their own to strive and survive in a harsh climate and inaccessible landscape, loneliness becomes overwhelming.
The event of The Flying Dutchman anchoring to the Norwegian shore gains greater significance because of its rarity — the ship is allowed to dock only once every seven years. This rare occurrence makes it easy for Senta to become infatuated and to believe it is her destiny to save the Dutchman. Her character is filled with longing for change and ready for a new life.
When the ship arrives, it transforms the entire environment. It fills the space and becomes the sole focus of everyone’s attention. For Senta, it represents a fantasy — the chance to save the Dutchman and sail away. For Daland, it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for financial security, even if it means losing his daughter.
