Acting In Opera - article by MOREinfo-About.com

Acting in Opera

Notoriously, acting in opera is overblown and in no way realistic. This is relatively immaterial as those attending the opera are not there to enjoy acting; they are there to respond to the great music, orchestral and vocal. Most of the acting in opera consists of exaggerated gestures and body language to emphasize the message of the lyrics. In truth, most of the audience cannot understand the lyrics, though they are familiar with the story, as lyrics are most often Italian or German.

This article is in no way intended as negative comment about opera...it is a magnificent aspect of the arts. It is simply to relate the art of acting to this medium, and as stated the acting is secondary to the musical performance. It is difficult,if not impossible, for an actor to realistically depict dying if he is at the moment creating great vocal sounds as he is acting out the death scene. But opera-goers accept this illusion willingly...acting consists of singing the lyrics.

There have been some great opera singers who have also exhibited considerable acting ability, including the late Lawrence Tibbett. His performances often included convincing acting as well as magnificent vocal gifts. His singing carried great emotional impact, particularly in tragic situations, where his acting abilities also were seen.

Acting in opera is most easily performed either in intimate and tender scenes, where acting can be made realistic by physical embraces...or in scenes of dramatic action where physicality can emphasize the sung lyrics. It is more difficult to do convincing acting where characters are carrying on a dialogue which is more expository in nature.

Perhaps one of the reasons opera has not been adapted to film more often is the fact that the camera is unkind to exaggerated acting gestures and facial expressions which most often accompany operatic performance. Listening to good recordings of the great music of opera can be very satisfying, but, like others of the performing arts, being in the living presence of the performers, whether to enjoy acting or singing or orchestral concerts, brings the greatest enjoyment.

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