Ryan ChartrandFrom Verdi’s “La Traviata” to Puccini’s “La Boheme,” Maria Callas to Placido Domingo, Italian opera has infiltrated the universe of yuppie, collar-popping intellectuals everywhere.
But what of us sleep-deprived, simple college-going folk? Are we to be excluded from this portion of elitist sub-culture, masquerading under the pretense of superiority? Do we all fail miserably in meeting the standards of entry into this pompous and impenetrable posse? To these questions I emphatically answer, no.
Far too often we stumble upon these stereotypes of who can and can’t enjoy a good trip to the opera house, and I think it’s gone on far too long. I’m here, ladies and gentlemen, to implore each and every one of you to go out and take a chance at what could be an amazing experience; I tempt you to go see an opera.
Wow, what an amazing coincidence, because one of the most famous of all operas just happens to be coming to Cal Poly’s own Performing Arts Center next week. Verdi’s “La Traviata” will make an appearance here March 23 and 24 at 7:30 p.m.
A tragic tale of star-crossed love, where fate meets inevitable despair, “La Traviata” proves to be a sight to be seen. For those of you cringing at the mention of such operatic royalty, I dare say, grow up. It’s time to join the ranks of the well-adjusted.
Set in 19th century Paris, “La Traviata” is a four act drama by Giuseppe Verdi, based on the novel “La Dame aux Camelias” by Alexandre Dumas.
Literally meaning, “The woman who strayed,” La Traviata tells the tale of two lovers, Alfredo, a young man of noble birth, and Violetta, the courtesan he falls madly in love with. If red flags are popping up in your mind right about now, you wouldn’t be wrong to do so. Oddly enough, there’s no “happily ever after” for these two lovebirds.
As the recipe of any good dramatic love story seems to call for, “La Traviata” is bursting at the seams with an amazingly disheartening back-story, leading the audience on an emotional up and down horror ride through life’s unfortunate twists and turns.
In true “Romeo and Juliet” fashion, Alfredo and Violetta are forced to deal with one obstacle after another, culminating in a tragic display of life’s little ironies.
With a very lyrical assortment of poignant dialogue, deftly created scenes, and entertaining music, “La Traviata” is one of the best of the best. It has endured not only the test of time, but has also challenged the emotional prosperity of us as human beings.
If you enjoyed Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 film, “Moulin Rouge,” you will undoubtedly enjoy the famous opera it was based on; minus a few production adjustments and historical rearrangements, of course.
So, to all you boys and girls anxiously sitting on the edge of your seats waiting for the “cool bus” to come up your alley, may I point out that here it comes now. Buy a ticket and get on the opera bus.