For Pinoy culture hounds, do’s and don’ts when watching an opera

Posted at 9:19 pm February 17, 2012

Tags: Performing Arts, Theater

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By Joyce Anne Ponciano

QUEZON CITY, METRO MANILA- The opera is among the oldest and most eloquent forms of artistic expression. Unlike traditional stage plays, it highlights the acting skills of singers accompanied by an orchestra that sets the mood of the story.

Locally, only a few operas highlight local culture, such as the recent “Noli Me Tangere: The Opera” staged by Dulaang UP. It is a unique interpretation of one of the two renowned novels of Jose Rizal.

There are factors that hinder Filipinos from fully experiencing the opera as an art form. Fortunately, there are just as many ways to deal with them. Here are some tips on how to increase exposure to and basically enjoy watching an opera.

Buy tickets wisely. Ticket prices range from P200 to P5,000 so your budget may dictate what opera to watch. Stretch every peso first by researching the theater venue of its seat map to select the best area for your audio-visual pleasure; second, by considering the use of binoculars (the Cultural Center of the Philippines sells handy paper-based binoculars for P100); and third by availing of discounts and promos when able (for example, students and senior citizens discounts, credit card rebates or discounts, or buying thru group buying sites)

Dress appropriately. Dress codes are non-existent in operas. But smart casual to business attire is recommended. Just so you don’t look like you’re going to a movie house.

Arrive extra early. Operas start on time and close their doors before or after the national anthem or the overture. Missing the start of the opera means coming in during the intermission. This could mean missing half or a third of your ticket’s worth. For early arrival to the opera house, consider factors of time, distance, and usual traffic.

Eat before the opera starts. Operas last from two to three hours. Eating and drinking are only allowed outside the theater and during intermissions. The less culturally experienced audience could sneak small food, but they have to expect to be shushed by fellow members of the audience for making noises while opening their food wrappers.

Go to the toilet early on. It’s not prohibited to go to the toilet in the middle of a lengthy play. But always remember that having to go through the narrow rows of seats could disturb other patrons.

Read the plot. The opera highlights the art of performance. Focus on the live orchestra, the singing, acting, and perhaps some dancing from the actors. Understand the plot beforehand. Most operas sell programs just outside the theater house. These contain the synopsis of all the scenes in each act. But instead of buying the program, some just read about the opera’s plot from the Internet.

Reserve comments, SMS, calls, and camera flashes until the end. Silence is necessary to engage in an opera. Respect fellow patrons by observing etiquette. This includes turning off or putting your phone in silent mode, talking to your companion only after the opera, and not taking pictures during the opera.

Praise the performance. Operas are the singers and musicians’ labors of love. Clapping is a bonus. Applause may be given as soon as the orchestra conductor enters for the overture, at the end of a song, at the end of an act, and during the curtain call. Standing up is the next reward. Give your standing ovations during the curtain call. Expressing (not whistling nor shouting) your commendation is the highest honor.

Shout “Bravo!” for the performance of a male singer, “Brava!” for a female, and “Bravi!” for a group.

For Pinoy culture hounds, do’s and don’ts when watching an opera

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