Listen – Question on the Reading

How were the castrati treated in the time period? Were they viewed as “up and coming stars” or as a disgrace to their families?
In response to Sara Shafers question: Since “actors (or in this case opera singers) usually connect to the audience based on real-life experiences and difficulties that they’ve faced/overcome” why wouldn’t the castrati be able to express their emotions and connect with the audiences? Wouldn’t they be able to connect using the difficulties they had to overcome while becoming a castrato? Ex. Having to castrate himself to do what they love, being rejected by who they love, being scrutinized by those who opposed of what he did.

The Arts In NYC