Things I want to say: also, too scared.

Byron Bay Events and beyond

So, I am feeling like I am letting myself down a bit with this blog. I started writing it because I feel like there is so much about this industry that isn't being said. So far, I have opted to ignore these issues and go for the comedy. And why? Because I am terrified.

This industry is so small; everyone is one or two degrees of separation away. I am afraid that if I say the things I really feel need to be said, that people will take offence and then I will get in trouble. I know it sounds so juvenile, but I am truly afraid of these people!

Ultimately, I want these subjects to be things that people aren't afraid to talk about. What does it say about the way things are being run if the people involved are tip-toeing on eggshells and unable to voice concerns?

Here is one of the subjects I was hoping to talk about. 

I'm upset with the way most people are reacting to productions  because of by whom they are produced.

I saw a truly horrible and offensive staging of  "Don Giovanni" at the Canadian Opera Company. The reason I did not enjoy it is not a reflection on the COC or the singers but of the director (Tcherniakov). 

All the reviews (except Schmopera.com* - thank God) were all:

 "4 out of 4 stars!" 

"Not to be missed!"

 "OMG I LOVED IT!" 

and not a single review (again, except Schmopera.com who nailed it) spoke about how the interpretation just didn't work.

If I wasn't sitting in the middle of the 5th ring, I would have walked out. I was also fully ready to boo the director if he came on stage.

Because no one wants to step on the COC's toes because they are the only giant opera house in the country, nobody talks about anything other than how amazing it was.

I have seen this happen production after production and I can't take it anymore. I have been less than thrilled with several of the last productions I have seen, and it has almost been, every time, because it was just an interpretation that did not work.

 You don't have to love something just because it was produced by the COC (or any other place for that matter). If you hated the direction or the costumes or even weren't thrilled with some of the singing or the level of acting, that's ok! Sometimes I wish we were more like La Scala and could show our dislike with a big ole BOO!

We're getting too polite. (ahem, read: too Canadian) Please have an opinion. 

Having an opinion does not make you mean or disagreeable or unemployable. Voicing your opinion isn't going to make you a bad colleague. Your opinion is not a personal reflection on the people involved. Please don't be afraid to love something because everyone else disliked or dislike something just because everyone else enjoyed it. This is what creating art is about; making people feel something. Have feelings!

If we want the face of opera to change, they need to know what we think about what we see. If we just think everything is great, then the industry is not going to move forward.

* If you missed the embedded link and would like to read Schmopera.com's review of Don Giovanni, you can find it here: http://schmopera.com/in-review-tcherniakovs-don-giovanni/