The body at the opera

• Grant number: 11/00061-4
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: September 01, 2011
• End date: August 31, 2012
• Field of knowledge: Linguistics, Literature and Arts - Arts - Opera
• Principal Investigator: Marilia Velardi
• Grantee: Marilia Velardi
• Host Institution: Escola de Artes, Ciências e Humanidades (EACH). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Perhaps it is since the use of the term Gesamtkunswerk, by Richard Wagner, that the idea of opera as a total artwork have been inexorably merged to its meaning. However, there are important issues that affect the production, making and staging of opera as a total artwork, which are strongly connected to theatre staging. Among the many issues, one is related to the conception of opera and the staging possibilities of each singer, once it's usual to state that the expression of vocal technique can be hindered by the bodily actions. Nevertheless, new generations of lyric singers, still studying, seem to oppose to this view. They seek a solid theatrical training and are open to different bodily experiences. This tends to demonstrate not only a disposition to the stage, but point to values and concepts on the operatic show. This project seeks to collectively construct the meaning of the opera from reflections on the physical actions and the body in this show. For that, eight members of a young opera company will be interviewed with basis on a semi-structured script. The interviews will be mediated by the photo elicitation technique, intending to propose critical reflections about opera staging. It is expected that this project will enable the formation of structured knowledge on the values and concepts of the opera being done and that is wished to be done. Considering the lack of studies and academic researches on this subject, it's also expected that it could be the beginning of reflections on the training for opera. (AU)