An apple, an arrow, and Swiss freedom

Was he a man or a myth? In The Forum of Swiss History in Schwyz, an exhibition will not try to answer this, but will explore the social and the historical ramifications of the tale (and the play) nationwide.

The story has certainly entered national consciousness. On Chapel Bridge, the 17th-century triangular paintings include one of the national hero. Schiller's drama opened the City Theater in 1838. The floating restaurant is the "William Tell."

From May to October, the William Tell Express, a six-hour boat and train excursion, begins in Lucerne aboard a paddle-wheel steamer. At Flüelen, passengers transfer to a train where panoramic windows look out on wooded countryside as well as a dramatic 9.25 mile ride through the St. Gotthard Rail Tunnel.

Rütli Meadow was once reachable only by boat, but in 1991, the cantons created the Swiss Path from Rütli to Brünnen to celebrate Switzerland's 700th anniversary. It may be walked in its entirety or accessed from the lake or by car and enjoyed in segments.

At Kussnacht are the ruins of Gessler's castle (Gesslerburg) and the sunken road (Hohle Gasse) between Kussnacht and Immensee where he died. There is Tell's Rock (Tellsplatte) with its chapel and murals of the Tell story. Nearly opposite Brunnen, a granite spire called Schiller's Stone (Schillerstein) bears an inscription honoring the playwright.

Burglen, Tell's village, has a museum located in a 13th-century tower. There's no gravesite, since it's said that Tell died while heroically rescuing a drowning child.

"Guglielmo Tell," the Italian opera by Gioacchino Rossini that was based on the play, was first performed in 1829. Its famous overture will be played in 2004 at the 65th annual Lucerne Festival by the Cleveland Orchestra, with Franz Welser-Most conducting. The music is familiar to most Americans because it was the theme for "The Lone Ranger" on radio and TV.

But the very name William Tell has never lost its magic. It's a symbol of Swiss freedom and a worldwide metaphor for outstanding marksmanship.

From June through November in and around Lucerne, Switzerland, there will be numerous events to mark the 200th anniversary of the première of the play "William Tell."

June 19-Oct. 31: Swiss Museum Forum of Swiss History, Schwyz, Jubilee Exhibition (www.museenschwyz.ch)

July 23-Aug. 9: Festival interpretation of the story in the William Tell Open-Air Theater, Interlaken (www.tellspiele.ch)

July 24-Aug. 29: Friedrich Schiller's "William Tell," by the German National Theater Weimar, outdoors on the Rütli Meadow. Aug.1 is the National Confederation Day performance. (www.kulturschweiz2004.ch)

Aug. 13: Lucerne Festival: Symphony Concert 3, Rossini's Overture to "Guglielmo Tell," Cleveland Orchestra, Franz Welser-Most conductor (www.lucernefestival.ch)

Aug. 14-Oct.16 (Saturdays): Innovative version of the Tell legend by the Tell Play & Theater Association in historic Tell Theater, Altdorf (www.tellspiele-altdorf.ch)

For more Information: William Tell, www.Tell.ch; Lucerne Tourist Board, www.Lucerne.org; Switzerland Tourism, 608 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10020; 877-794-8037; www.myswitzerland.com. Swiss Travel System (William Tell Express), 1-888-382-7245, www.raileurope.com

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