In an era of constant notifications and omnipresent screens, finding moments of genuine disconnection has become a luxury. Attending the opera offers a unique opportunity to escape that endless noise. An opera performance is not just an artistic event; it is a portal that transports us to a universe distinct from our daily lives. This ancient art, with its epic stories and sublime music, provides an experience that silences the modern clamor and connects us with the eternal, evoking the Greek myths that have inspired so many masterpieces. Although the world of opera is not immune to the mediocrity of this era, there are still some of us who, like titans, defend this art. With the permission of the greater muses, here at The Opera Atelier we dress the opera to present it to new audiences, always preserving the intention and divine ingredient that has made music a sublime art. Through Greek myths and disciplines that delve into the human interior, such as psychoanalysis, we can understand how opera resonates with our deepest emotions and invites us to explore our unconscious.
The Myth of Narcissus and Digital Disconnection
In Greek mythology, Narcissus was captivated by the image of his own reflection in the water, unable to look away. His story resonates today as a metaphor for the obsession with screens and social media, where many seek validation of their being through likes, notifications, and selfies. Sigmund Freud used this story as a basis to conceptualize narcissism, pointing out how the obsession with self-image can lead to isolation and dissatisfaction.
Opera breaks this spell. For example, the story of Narcissus becomes a call to look beyond the superficial and listen to the inner voices we have silenced in our modern lives. In the musical world of opera, the digital realm must remain outside, so that the audience finds a human acoustic space that allows them to escape their own reflection and rediscover the essence of their existence as social beings.
Orpheus and the Magic of Sound
The myth of Orpheus, the musician who could calm beasts and move gods with his lyre, illustrates the transformative power of music, something psychoanalysis also recognizes. Freud saw in art, and especially in music, a direct access to the unconscious, a space where words fail but emotions are fully expressed. In a world where everyday sounds are noise, cacophonous music, notifications, and alarms, opera becomes a sonic refuge.
Operas like Gluck's Orfeo ed Euridice or Monteverdi's L’Orfeo immerse us in this eternal myth. Orpheus's heartbreaking arias, such as "Che farò senza Euridice," remind us how music can heal, comfort, and transform. Like Orpheus enchanting Hades, opera frees us, if only for a few hours, from the weight of the external world. The connection between music and the unconscious reminds us that attending the opera is not only an aesthetic pleasure but also a process of self-discovery, similar to the one posed by psychoanalysis.
Theseus's Labyrinth and Clarity Amid Chaos
The story of Theseus facing the Minotaur in the labyrinth is a metaphor for modern chaos. Ariadne's thread, which guides Theseus to the exit, symbolizes clarity and purpose amidst confusion. According to Carl Jung, the labyrinth represents the unconscious, and the Minotaur symbolizes our repressed fears and desires. This mythical story can also be interpreted as a metaphor for the psychoanalytic process: from primordial chaos to clarity.
The opera Arianna and Naxos, recently presented by The Opera Atelier as the opening of our 24-25 season, evokes the experience of traversing an emotional labyrinth in search of resolution. Here, the guiding thread is none other than the narrative, masterfully woven by music and performance.
Opera as the Modern Olympus
Greek myths, with their heroes, gods, and tragedies, have endured because they capture human emotions in their purest form. Opera, heir to this tradition, not only revives these myths but transforms them into living experiences. In a true opera theater, the stage becomes a modern Olympus. The singers are heroes facing impossible trials, the composers and musicians are forgers creating sound worlds, and the audience witnesses an artistic ritual that connects us with the transcendent. However, in a city like Miami, this Olympus faces very earthly challenges (*). The performance spaces, far from being temples dedicated to art, often neglect the needs of the productions and those who create them. Out-of-context decorations, technical limitations, and a lack of sensitivity toward the ritual nature of opera hinder the creation of this divine connection. Despite these adversities, organizations like The Opera Atelier fight to preserve and reinterpret the essence of opera, adapting creatively and advocating for spaces that respect and elevate the operatic experience.
Opera as Catharsis
Freud spoke of catharsis as a way of releasing repressed emotions. In opera, this catharsis occurs uniquely. The emotional climax of an aria or the dramatic resolution of a story acts as a mirror for our own emotions, allowing us to feel, release, and transform. Opera, like Greek myths and psychoanalysis, invites us to look inward. Like Narcissus, Orpheus, and Theseus, we face our shadows and seek clarity in chaos. In this process, music becomes a language of the soul, an Ariadne's thread guiding us toward catharsis and understanding.
A Call to Conscious Disconnection
Attending the opera is much more than a cultural event; it is an act of resistance against hyperconnectivity. It is an opportunity to turn off the phone, leave behind daily concerns, and immerse oneself in an experience that transcends time. It could even be an opportunity to explore our unconscious, this time not lying on a couch, but sitting in a theater chair. Operas based on Greek myths show us that these stories, despite their antiquity, remain deeply relevant. Like Narcissus, Orpheus, and Theseus, we face challenges that transcend time: the search for our identity, the struggle to find clarity amidst chaos, and the unsettling intolerance toward the Other. The next time you need to escape the noise, let opera be your Ariadne's thread, guiding you back to yourself. Investigate, learn, study, and, if you dare, sing! Attend every opera performance in the city and enjoy what you learn about this sublime art. At The Opera Atelier, we have a motto: "Tell me why I love opera." Here, in Miami, we are ready to welcome you; finding us is easier than you imagine.
See you at the opera!
(*) For more references, I invite you to read this other article: The Silent Tragedy of Theaters and Performance Spaces in Miami.
Very true! A sad state of affairs: Hyperconnected to what? What about connecting to our own selves? Is everyone out to lunch?
I have both sung and assist to the wonderful and creative performances and programs of The Opera Atelier. In our times of such impersonality and hectic rithm, TOA gives the opportunity for parents to expose young kids to the creativity and beauty of a humanistic era long ago gone, enriching their views of the world and widening their culture and views