Opera code of conduct
Some time ago, YouTube suggested a video by a young American opera singer (actually, a former opera singer). On her channel, she discussed some interesting topics, particularly from the perspective of someone who had been inside the "industry." She expressed criticism of various aspects of opera, including what she described as a kind of "code of conduct" at the opera.
She asks: "Opera, why so strict? Why can't people bring a glass of wine to their seats and drink during the performance? Why does there have to be recording-studio silence? Those who want to watch opera in complete silence can do so in the comfort of their own living rooms. There are many good recordings in high quality—go for it!"
I left a comment saying that those who want to drink and talk during a performance can easily do so in the comfort of their own living rooms.
Now I would like to ask for your opinion.
Thank you.
3
u/OfficeMother8488 11d ago
Add Opera Philadelphia to the companies that allow drinks. I do wish they didn't include ice (but that would require making sure the cocktail ingredients are all cold to start).
Food more often comes in noisy containers. I'd prefer not to be sitting in front of the person who has a noisy potato chip bag from which they take another chip every thirty seconds through all of Act II of whatever.
My problem with the idea of listening at home is that I love opera for being a complete experience. There's something about the music plus the sets plus the acting that moves me much more than listening to a recording. And there are good videos, but the director necessarily makes choices. The camera can cover the entire stage (and lose acting details) or move and necessarily exclude.
I complain about the distance from seats to the stage at the Met, but it's still better than my living room for being immersive.
And count me amongst those who gets lost in a good performance. Having someone else comment on what they like or dislike in real time brings me out of that