Through The Lens
THE FAT LADY may have sung the final note—at least for Opera Lyra, that is. The Ottawa Citizen reported the company has been forced to cancel its productions for the remainder of the season, so that it can return in a more healthy financial state next year. After speaking to Chrissy Shannon, an opera enthusiast and co-founder of Opera Undressed, and learning about Opera Lyra’s current state, I started wondering: Why is opera so unpopular?
Maybe the real question is: Why is opera so disliked by young people today? Think about it: While the latest Twilight movie sells out faster than you can say vibrato, getting people to show up to an opera production has proven to be quite the feat. According to Opera Lyra’s board chair, Malcolm McCullouch, the company is currently sitting at a $600,000 deficit.
Are amphitheatres left empty because operatic productions are considered boring? Opera is an intricate performance, fusing text, song, and music into one. It’s a grandiose performance, but there’s no denying it has cultural ties with the rich and famous—or those who want to come across as rich and famous.
The stuffy, high-class atmosphere opera invokes isn’t the only problem with the dying art form. Usually performances are executed in languages largely foreign to their audiences, and unlike the movies, there are no subtitles, creating awkward language issues—even for the keenest opera lover.
Quite possibly, the greatest problem with opera is that it isn’t engaging. Say what you will about Twilight and Stephenie Meyers, but at least people are interested and invested in the movies. There are ongoing debates about Team Edward this and Team Jacob that, not to mention the awkward human-vampire love story between Bella and Edward that resonates for some.
Don’t worry, I’m not arguing that Twilight is the book of the century and should be mandatory reading in all Grade 11 English classes, but there is a reason why opera is dying and other genres of entertainment have a steadfast cult following.
Opera highlights beautiful classical music that anyone can enjoy. Opera producers’ only obstacle now is to showcase to an audience that thinks pop music prevails over all.
The genre needs a youthful makeover—freshen it up—and old routines need to change. Just as Shakespeare is still reproduced and reinterpreted today, operatic productions need to switch it up and showcase opera in a new light.
It’s a cutthroat world in the entertainment business, and opera needs to adapt to the ever-changing times. Here’s hoping that the fat lady comes back and lives to sing another day.
Sofia Hashi
Arts and Culture
(613) 562-5931
