Test Drive Guide to the Opera
Some people think that opera is scary and impenetrable - but you are probably already familiar with opera music from its frequent use in popular culture. One example is the film Pretty Woman. During the movie, Richard Gere takes Julia Roberts to see La Traviata (an opera about a prostitute who falls in love with a wealthy man). By the end of the film, Julia's character is an opera devotee.
So why don't you do a Julia, put aside those prejudices, try something new and Test Drive an opera?
About Opera
Opera uses art, stage design, costuming, vocal and instrumental music, speech and drama to create the ultimate theatrical experience. The human voice is an amazing force and for nearly five hundred years, opera composers have used it to tell stories and convey emotions. The range of action, human experiences and feelings expressed on the opera stage often put Hollywood films to shame.
How to understand what's going on
Just like a film or play, the opera plot will reveal itself as the performance unfolds. However, the performance is generally more enjoyable if you do some pre-show preparation by reading a synopsis of the performance. These are available on the website of Opera Australia or Victorian Opera. And of course, you can always Google. If you don't get the chance to do some reading before the show, you can purchase a program at the theatre and this will contain a plot outline.
What if the opera is in a foreign language?
An English translation is displayed on a digital screen above the stage. These are called 'surtitles' and they make it easy to understand what the characters are singing - whatever the language.
When to applaud
At opera and orchestral performances, it is customary to applaud as the conductor takes his/her stand in the pit at the start of the performance and after the interval.
You can also applaud at the end of a song. If you really loved a particular piece, you can also express your appreciation for male and female performers by calling out "Bravo" or "Brava" respectively.
A good tip is to watch out for the conductor. Conductors hold still until the end of a piece and then relax by putting their arms down and facing the audience. This is your cue! If in doubt, follow the lead of your fellow audience members.
Opera terms
Libretto - Written information about an opera containing lyrics, stage directions and other details.
Aria - an emotive solo with orchestral accompaniment.
Chorus - a group of singers.
Overture - orchestral music that acts as an introduction to the opera.
Opera Trivia
- The first opera was staged in Florence in 1597.
- The first public opera houses opened in Venice in the 1630s.