Yesterday’s seminar class took place at the opera and our class went to the Metropolitan Opera House, better known as the Met, to see the show Turandot. Briefly, it is about a princess who resides in China that will only marry a man if he answers her three impossible riddles correctly. If they fail to complete the task, it will result in them getting beheaded. I think the climax of this opera was when Turandot realizes that the male race isn’t such a dictating figurehead, but rather can embody sympathetic and caring qualities as well. To be perfectly honest, my immediate reaction when I found out that we would be going to an opera weren’t positive or uplifting. But, gratefully, that all changed once the first act begun. I was overwhelmed with the distinct range of voices, possessing such control and ease. Reading along with the subtitles that were in front of the seats benefited my understanding significantly.

However, I think some parts in the opera were a little ambiguous and I didn’t comprehend the entire scene as much as I should’ve. Therefore, I asked for clarification from Professor Monte.  One example of this was when the three riddles became a vital part in the opera. I was able to figure out the first two of them, but the last riddle wasn’t being processed in my head, and I restored to asking my neighboring students for assistance. During the intermissions, my friends and I were aimlessly walking around the Met, and were able to hear bits and pieces of random conversations and implemente this newfound knowledge to get a better understanding of the opera as a whole. Everyone in the Opera House was remarkably pleasant and answered all of my questions completely.

I was flabbergasted when I first saw the scenery on the stage as it related to the overall tone of the particular scene. I think that as the audience you are able to tell a lot about the colors and the setting itself as it compares to the plot transitions. The props and items used in the construction of the stage setting were so detailed and picturesque that I was able to feel as if I was on the stage participating in the play Turandot. All in all, I had a wonderful time at the opera, and my outlook has been altered drastically because I have come to the conclusion that these types of shows aren’t prosaic and monotonous but uplifting and inspiring!