“Carmen will never give way! Free she was born, and free she will die” (Carmen, Act IV). Carmen is my favorite character in the play! She epitomizes my idea of a strong woman. Carmen was the star of the show and I actually love that she was a “static character”! (Reveles, Podwalk #152) She didn’t change her personality for anyone or anything and simply did whatever she had to for her own benefit. Admirably, she was a constant manipulative and fierce woman. Throughout the opera, I fell in love with her character for her courage, strength and defiance! She impressed me when she refused to start a new life with Don Jose even when she knew that her life was on the line. Although her character may annoy many people, I actually feel that she effectively symbolizes strong women and I love that the opera featured a character like her.

Aside from the character of Carmen, there were many other parts of the opera that I surprisingly enjoyed. Coming into my first opera, I was excited to dress up and see what it was really like but I didn’t necessarily expect to love it. When I saw how far back we were sitting, my expectations just decreased. To my surprise, I was actually able to enjoy the opera from where I was sitting. I wish I was able to see the characters closer up but I was still able to appreciate the whole spectacle and music even from the family circle! I did find myself appreciating the spectacle more than the music. Nonetheless, the music was successful in setting the mood between and during the acts.

As I expected, the audience was mainly older adults. Often, the opera is thought to be only for the older, the rich, and the educated. However, after my first opera experience, I feel that I was able to appreciate the opera just as much as the older adults. I think it is ridiculous to classify the opera as an exclusive form of art because anyone can enjoy it! There seems to be something for everyone at the opera. This ranges from just the enjoyment of getting ready for the opera and being in the city to the actual spectacle and music of the opera. I would certainly love to go back to the opera and continue to explore this form of art!