As part of the AIFS Programs, there are cultural programs that I can sign up for each week. This week, one of them was going to the opera to see Don Giovanni at the Estates Theater. The cool part about that, other than getting to go to the opera for free, is the history of that opera. After writing it, Mozart first showed this opera at the Estates Theater. According to Wikipedia, it is the only theater left standing where Mozart ever performed. The show was kind of ridiculous and not at all as serious as I was thinking it would be. When I think of opera, I think of something that's kind of boring and dry because that's what I've been told about it my whole life. Don Giovanni is actually kind of funny, but there are some pretty serious elements to the story as well.
Today and tomorrow, I'm going to be doing some other cultural events with AIFS. Today, there's a trip to Petrin Hill and tomorrow I'm going to Dresden. Both of which I'm really looking forward to.
People think that opera is dry, stuffy, and boring for the same reason that they think Shakespeare is. Opera is often funny (especially if you speak Italian), racy, and entertaining.
ReplyDeleteA guy I work with recently went to an opera based on Life of Brian, for example. ;-)
Just looked through the new pictures - what an opera house! Very cool!
ReplyDeleteAnd a picture before that, IMG_1436, reminds me of the post card you sent. Did you take that from (or near) your dorm?
That picture's from the top of the hill with the giant metronome. My dorm doesn't have awesome views like that.
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