After the Opera
The curtain parts one last time
and the ones who killed
and were killed,
who loved inordinately,
who went berserk, were flayed alive,
descended to Hades,
raged, wept, schemed—
victims and victimizers alike—
smile and nod and graciously bow.
So glad it’s finally over,
they stride off
suddenly a bit ridiculous
in their overwrought costumes.
And the crowd—still dark,
like God beyond the footlights of the world—
rises to its feet
and roars like the sea.
by Richard Sciffman
We just watched the DVD "Maria by Callas." The movie documents the famous Greek opera singer's life through her own words, taken from TV interviews, letters and memoirs.
I liked the clips of old opera houses, with elaborate sets, period costumes and the dramatic, over-the-top gestures. Guess I'm a traditionalist. So often operas are modernized by genius directors trying to make them more "relevant." Most of the time it's just a distraction.
Maria Callas was the ultimate temperamental diva. A dumpy, overweight young girl when her career started, Callas transformed herself into a fashion icon. The famous rumor goes her stage mother took her to a doctor, who gave her a tape worm to lose weight.
She was adored by audiences, but basically a lonely person who never found a lasting love. In 1959, the world’s two most famous Greeks, Callas and Aristotle Onassis, began an affair on his yacht, in the company of both their spouses. Of course this fell apart when Onassis married Jackie-O. Losing her looks and aging was difficult, and she died a semi-recluse at only 53.
Speaking of opera, we're getting close to our trip to New Mexico next week. One of the highlights is a performance of "La Boheme" at the Santa Fe Opera House open desert venue. I bought the tickets almost a year ago, so we've been looking forward to this trip for a long time.
Santa Fe Opera house on a dramatic night.
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