CMU School of Drama


Tuesday, September 23, 2008

The Met at theaters via satellite: a marriage of popcorn and opera

Seattle Times Newspaper: "With the wonders of high-definition satellite technology, New York's Metropolitan Opera is coming to a movie theater near you — and to more than 850 locations all over the world."

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I can't get over what a smart idea this is in terms of bringing live performance to an audience that expands beyond geographical limitations. It's a great way to bring "culture" but on a personal level it's a great way to get a visual idea of what a company represents.

Allegra Rege said...

This is actually a great ide in my mind! Although it does not replace view the opera in person and having they truly rewarding and emotional experience it brings, for the mobiliy and financially challenged as we as college mostly are I find it quite an ingenius idea. By doing this the demographic of people able to expierience fine opera is extremely enhanced and expanded.

Anonymous said...

This seems like a catch 22… Not everyone can attend obviously. So it is nice that people who are not in New York will be able to “attend.” However, even though it is being broadcasted in High-Def, it still can’t be the same as being in the house. That is part of the beauty of live theater. Recorded theater is always bad. Why is this going to be any different? Also, isn’t there a place the money could be better spent in the Met’s budget?

Isabella said...

Of course seeing an opera in a movie theater may never come close to the real experience, however it is nice that technology is making this entertainment more accessible for people who do not have the opportunity to experience the real thing.

Anonymous said...

This is the best thing ever! Last year I saw Romeo and Juliet while in a movie theater in Florida! If you cant fit in seeing an opera into your schedule, this is a great way to make up for it. It exposes so many people to a beautiful art form, and I dont have to pay a whole lot!

Sam Thompson said...

I think this is great. Sure, it is not the same as actually being at an opera, but not everyone can afford to go or have access to an opera house. Historically, opera has been largely accessible to the higher classes, and screening it in movie theatres is a chance for people to be exposed to opera who didn't have a chance to be before.