Auricula Meretricula Translation: Unraveling the Connection between Opera and Tragedy

When we think of opera and tragedy, two genres that have been intertwined for centuries, it is easy to overlook their shared limitations. Both forms have physical constraints that restrict the performer's ability to convey emotion and meaning, just like masks in acting restrict an actor's range of expression. In Greek tragedy, for instance, the size of the theater, use of masks, and complexity of language made it a primarily audial experience. Similarly, opera, which often features singers with limited acting training, can struggle to convey the emotional depth of the story.

A recent production of Mozart's Don Giovanni at the University of Michigan School of Music highlights this challenge. The cast, consisting mainly of non-classicists, struggled to convey the humor and emotion of the characters through their bodies. It was only through supertitles that the audience could fully appreciate Leporello's witty banter with Don Giovanni. This experience echoes a common criticism of opera: that singers focus too much on singing and neglect the acting aspect of performance.

This critique is not unique to opera, however. Tragedy, as it was performed in ancient Greece, often suffered from a similar lack of attention to acting. In fact, some scholars argue that the physical limitations of ancient theaters, including the use of masks, made acting a secondary concern. The focus was on the music and vocal performance rather than the emotional depth of the characters.

In recent years, there has been a growing trend among classicists to draw parallels between opera and tragedy. Both genres have been criticized for their lack of attention to acting, with some arguing that this is due to the emphasis on musicality over dramatic expression. A book by Helfgot and Beeman explores this issue in relation to opera, but its insights can also be applied to tragedy.

Ultimately, both opera and tragedy rely heavily on the skill of the performer to convey emotion and meaning to the audience. By acknowledging the physical limitations of each genre and focusing on developing the acting skills of singers and actors alike, we can work towards creating more nuanced and engaging performances that bring these timeless stories to life.

Auricula meretricula translation