Harry Silverstein is directing, and although this is his first "Dutchman," he approaches the story in much the same way that Seibel approaches the music: directly and honestly, and by staying true to Wagner's intentions.

"In order to appreciate the work, it is necessary to understand what is the driving force of each character," Silverstein said. "You have to build the piece out of that drama."

The lives of the Dutchman, Senta, Daland (Senta's father) and Erik (the man who loves Senta and wants to marry her) are inextricably interwoven, Silverstein said. "There is an incredible drama among the men, and the only one who can resolve this (conflict) is Senta."

When the opera opens, the Dutchman's seven years are up and he can come ashore. In the harbor he meets Daland, himself a sea captain. They begin a conversation, and the Dutchman discovers that Daland has a daughter. He promises Daland all his treasure if Daland will allow the Dutchman to marry Senta. Daland agrees, and they head for Daland's house.

But before Daland even approaches Senta to say that he's arranged a marriage between her and the Dutchman, she tells her father that she already knows. Erik is crushed by her resolve to marry the Dutchman, but Senta won't be dissuaded from what she feels she must do. "She believes her purpose is to fulfill a role," Silverstein said. "She knows she can do this. She can complete him (the Dutchman)."

Lise Lindstrom, the production's Senta, added, "Even before she meets him, Senta has already realized that she will be the Dutchman's redemptress. It's like she has conjured this man up. Her feelings are so strong."

Nathan Berg, who sings the title role, agrees with Lindstrom, but takes it one step further. "I think the opera is a comment on predestination, that there is somebody out there who is meant for you. Otherwise the coincidences that occur are too bizarre."

"'The Flying Dutchman' is the barest and grittiest of folklore," Lindstrom said. "You have the outcast, the lonely woman and unrequited love. The characters really resonate with all of us."

But the opera works on several different layers, Berg said, not the least of which is the deep insight into the characters. "There definitely are some strong psychological undertones here."

"It certainly is a psychological drama," said Lindstrom. "On one level, you can ask yourself, 'Is Senta crazy? Is the Dutchman just an illusion?' I don't think so. He is very real to her and to everyone else."

Silverstein said that the most important aspect to understanding "The Flying Dutchman" is to understand the characters and see who they are. "That's crucial to making the story believable. Otherwise it's no more than a ghost story."

Also singing in the cast are Gustav Andreassen as Daland, Roger Honeywell as Erik, Barbara Dever as Mary and Jason Baldwin as the Steersman. The opera will be sung in German with English supertitles.

If you go

What: "The Flying Dutchman"

Where: Capitol Theatre

When: Saturday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7:30 p.m., Oct. 21 at 2 p.m.

How much: $10-$65

Phone: 355-2787 or 888-451-2787

Web: www.utahsymphonyopera.org

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E-mail: ereichel@desnews.com