Embodying Tristan in Tristan und Isolde at The Metropolitan Opera
On March 9th, 2026, the Metropolitan Opera unveiled its highly anticipated new production of Tristan und Isolde, directed by Yuval Sharon and conducted by Yannick Nézet-Séguin. Starring Lise Davidsen and Michael Spyres, the production quickly became one of the most talked-about events of the season, hailed by The New York Times as “the event of the season.”
Simon Catillon: A Physical Presence of Tristan
Within Sharon’s vision of Tristan und Isolde as a passage between realities — where love, death, memory, and transformation coexist — Simon Catillon performed the physical role of Tristan.
Tristan und Isolde, photo by: Karpati & Zarewicz
At times emerging as a projected or fantasized figure, and at others grounding the role in its physical reality, Simon’s performance carries Tristan across these shifting states — from desire and illusion to pain — culminating in the opera’s final sequence, where body, voice, and inner life separate and intertwine. As the vocal performance moves toward transcendence, Catillon remains physically present, embodying Tristan through his final moments and reunion with Isolde.
Tristan und Isolde, photo by: Karpati & Zarewicz
Tristan und Isolde, photo by: Karpati & Zarewicz
Drawing on a background in physical acting, his work centers on sustaining presence and conveying complex emotional states through the body with precision and control.
Learn more about the show
Tristan und Isolde completed a sold-out run at the Metropolitan Opera, with an additional performance added due to extraordinary demand. Hailed by critics and audiences alike, the production became one of the defining operatic events of the season.
Learn more about the production through the Metropolitan Opera and featured press coverage:
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Live in HD
The production was also broadcast internationally as part of the Metropolitan Opera’s acclaimed Live in HD series, bringing Tristan und Isolde to audiences in cinemas around the world.