In the 1995 Seattle Ring the overall metaphor for the production was that of the world as a theater. In the first act (where only Siegmund, Sieglinde, and Hunding sing) Wotan was authoritatively seated in the director's box. After Fricka wins here argument with him (Wotan) she replaces him there. Aaron J. Rabushka [log in to unmask] http://www.cowtown.net/users/arabushk/