It is very seldom that you witness a millennial enjoying the opera.
Opera is an art form in which singers and musicians perform a dramatic work (called an opera) which combines a text (called a libretto) and a musical score.
Since millennials consider this an archaic art form, best suited for the ears of the aged and dying.
Apparently it doesn’t make sense, when simple sentences are wrung out through strange warbling till kingdom cometh and the characters wear ridiculous garb.
Versace anyone? DJ Black Coffee remix anyone?
Surprisingly enough, at age eighteen, I found myself finding opera not only bearable but actually enjoyable.
I recently had the opportunity to watch the opera, La Traviata at Cinema Nouvea (V&A Waterfront).
It’s no surprise, that I was initially only excited about munching on the fresh popcorn, but midway through the production, I found myself reading the subtitles and actually paying attention.
At first I was more interested in deciphering the language they sung in (Italian), and eventually I didn’t mind anymore and just enjoyed the art and flamboyancy.
Did you know?
The opera is based on La Dame aux Camélias (1852), a play adapted from the novel by Alexandre Dumas.
The opera was originally titled Violetta, after the main character.
It was first performed on 6 March 1853 at the La Fenice opera house in Venice.
La Traviata is Italian for ‘The Fallen Woman’ by Giuseppe Verdi.
It all takes place in Paris in the late 1950’s, around August through to February.
Everything started off with Violetta Valéry, hosting a luxury party to celebrate the fact that she overcame a illness, in her salon in Paris.
The same evening, Alfredo Germont declares his feelings to her and the crowd starts to sing the famous drinking song and dance.
It all gets a bit overwhelming and Violetta feels ill and wants to be left alone untill she can recover.
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A few months later, the two lovebirds live together in a house outside Paris.
Violetta wants to forget her previous life completely.
Their relationship however was not as they would want it to be. As we all know, opera does tragic love stories the best.
Alfredo’s father did not bless their union and beseeched that Violetta end the relationship for the sake of his family and honour.
After she turns down his request, he pleads with her one last time and she then agrees to let Alfredo go.
Her broken heart did not know how to let him go so she left him a letter with their servant.
After reading the letter, Alfredo’s father, Giorgio Germont arrives to comfort him, but Alfredo suspects that his father is behind all of this.
Sadly Violetta never recovers and her tuberculosis worsens.
Alfredo arrives and wants to leave Paris with her but sadly it was too late for Violetta, and she died in the arms of the person she loved.
Watch the production, to find out how it all ends…
So the question still stands…
Why don’t millennials care for opera’s?
Art is not for everyone, but for those who are born with the love of the arts, will absolutely adore opera since there’s the element of singing, acting and poetry all in one.
It is quite difficult not to fall in love with the opera. It’s like absorbing gorgeous poetry and art in just within two hours.
