Madrid replaces opera pros with ‘volunteers’
mainMadrid’s Teatro Real has replaced professional extras in its forthcoming Idomeneo with a call for volunteers, who nwill be making their stage debut.
The move has divided opinion. Many operagoers are privately thrilled to have the chance of a stage appearance. Professional actors fear this is the prelude to a further attack on seriousness in the arts.
They have posted a petition, calling for the Real’s artistic director and chief exec to be replaced by volunteers.
Graham Vick, of course, has been doing something similar at Birmingham Opera Company for many years. It’s proved to be a very successful model for community participation in the arts. I once met someone who had never engaged with classical music prior to taking part in one of Graham’s productions but who had become an extremely passionate and knowledgeable fan as a consequence.
This has been happening in Australia for years. It’s despicable.
But then again who can be surprised, Australia sucks at most things right now.
Crikey!! Bringing in enthusiastic amateurs who have no stage experience is asking for trouble.
I’m surprised Spanish Equity would allow this.
I do like the final paragraph, ha, ha
Dallas Opera has been doing it for a while. No signers for crowd scenes. Seems to work w/o any problems.
More contributions lost to the Social Security system.