Wow…I can’t believe it’s the end of the semester already. In just a few short days, I will be a second semester freshman—time sure does fly! With the conclusion of finals just around the corner, this is the perfect time to reminisce about the incredible performances we have seen this semester.
By far, my favorite performance this semester was the opera Contes D’Hoffman. It was my first time at the Metropolitan Opera (or any opera for that matter), and I was beyond amazed. Of course the sets and costumes were colorful and spectacular, but besides that, there was a lot to be gained from seeing the performance, including exposure to an art form I wouldn’t have otherwise experienced. Despite the fact that it didn’t end until after 11 PM – a little late for me – I am extremely happy that I had this opportunity rarely afforded to college kids.
Initially, I didn’t think I would be able to enjoy the performance since I don’t understand French, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. For starters, there were subtitles on the seats in front of us, which enabled us to understand everything going on. Additionally, the interactions among the characters, as well as the scenery and costumes made the plot of the opera graspable.
Recently, in my anthropology class, we learned the importance of accepting and embracing other cultures. This is precisely what an opera in another language expects us to do, and I think it is incredibly important for college students, who will be the leaders of tomorrow. Although cultural barriers present difficulties both in the work place and the real world, different languages and cultures add excitement into our lives.
Before seeing the opera, we were told that in allowing college students to see the opera free of charge or at a reduced cost, the patrons of the opera hope that the students will become the future patrons of the opera. Although I don’t plan to become a member of the Metropolitan Opera House, if my future boyfriend asks me on a date to the opera, I will most certain say yes. =] If it hadn’t been for this performance, I might have been a little more hesitant, unaware of what to expect from the show.
Of all of the performances we attended, I found the Ralph Lemmon Dance to be the least entertaining and it affected me the least. The performance started out with a movie that added nothing to the performance. I suppose it was a description of how the show came to be, but the only thing I was able to focus on was the guy dressed up in a rabbit costume. I travelled to Brooklyn to see a show, not a movie. This was only the first thing I disliked about the Ralph Lemmon Dance.
The “dance” section of the piece was a bunch of people jumping around and climbing on top of each other. Not the dance performance I imagined. Where was the music? I guess Ralph Lemmon left it at home that night, since the piece certainly needed music. And the woman who wouldn’t stop crying? Many people got up in the middle of the performance and walked out. Why was she crying? This was not clear, another aspect of the show that was detrimental to the overall quality.
Now, let me say that it wasn’t all bad. After discussing the piece in class and with Ralph Lemmon himself, I realized there was some light to the performance. Ralph Lemmon referred to the piece as an experiment, and that it definitely was. He is an artist, and artists have the right to be creative and imaginative…there are no limits to what art can be. Does he have the right to call it a dance? That is debatable. Dance is a defined art form; however, it does encompass many forms and ideas. Either way, I did not particularly like the performance. Still, I do not regret seeing it…every form of art contains a lesson to be learned.
Overall, this semester was a wonderful semester, and Arts in New York City was a great addition. We had the opportunity to travel to the city to see many performances, and then write about them and discuss them in class. I personally enjoyed Contes D’Hoffman, in addition to The Little Foxes and Taxi Driver. Although I did not see the importance of the Ralph Lemmon Dance, it had its place in our curriculum this semester in addition to our many other performances, readings, and discussions.
