Nov 22 2009
Italian vs Chinese (Operas)
I have had many assumptions about operas before seeing Barber of Seville. Some of them are from the way operas are mentioned in TV shows, most of them are from my experience with Chinese opera. While waiting for the curtain to rise in the opera house (which was a sight itself), memories of falling asleep in the theaters in China while my grandmother enthusiastically hummed along with the performance under her breath came to my mind. I started hoping that Barber of Seville would have some aerobatic moves, since those where the only factors that kept Chinese operas from being a complete torture for me in my childhood.
There weren’t any aerobatic moves, but there were plenty of fighting. What the fighting lacked in impressive postures and complicated choreographs was made up by its hilarity. My personal favorite is Count Almaviva, who, despite his small statue, is always ready to jump at his opponent. One time, he threatens the doctor with a sword that is longer than his tall, creating a hilarious image.
The Barber of Seville was a great performance that has attracted audiences throughout the ages with it’s many geniuses, but for me, it is its great humor, not the singing, not the costumes, that made it a truly enjoyable piece.
I was going to do the same thing since my grandmother always watches Chinese opera. I’m glad that the “Barber” was in no form or shape even CLOSE to Chinese opera because I abhor Chinese opera. I appreciate the humor in it too.
I agree with Alina, it is interesting that you compared operas from two very different cultures. I preferred Dr. Bartolo’s role and performance over that of the Count.
Trust me, you can definitely fall asleep while watching a Chinese opera. Sometimes it can take them half a minute to get one word out, literally. Of course the fighting part is always awesome. I am guessing you would like the costumes too.
I think its really interesting that you compared operas from different cultures.
I didn’t know that Chinese Operas have acrobatics, that sounds like it’s a lot of fun. I feel like if I watched an opera with acrobatics, I would never want to fall asleep.
And I agree, the humor was what kept the production alive. I think it’s important that the audience get engaged in any production, and I think laughter is one of the best ways to make sure that the audience is a part of a work.
However, I HATED the Count. I thought he was so helpless and bland. And the fact that he was short didn’t help my opinion of him (not that I have anything against short people, it’s just that I thought that he was being that much more pathetic trying to take on something he clearly couldnt).