Reflective Post Week 8

This week was the UC Common Event. The UC Common event was a showing of the opera Salome at the Kennedy Center. On Sunday we had a pre-Opera talk, which I personally did not enjoy. I mean it was interesting, and the lunch was good. But I did not enjoy that we were told the plot. It took away all the surprise from the Opera and I was frustrated that I knew what was going to happen. I ended up trying to block out what the UC theatre kids were saying so that I wouldn't be forced to hear the ending of the opera. But I guess it helped inform me about the background of Salome, and it helped me learn about actual opera in general. So that was nice at least.

I really enjoyed going to the Kennedy Center though. It was nice seeing everyone dressed up and going to a somewhat formal event. Salome was definitely an experience. I’ve never gone to an opera before, so this was my first. My friends have always told me about the operas they had been to, but this was definitely not like any opera they have told me about. Salome was quite the character, and her web of love connections was quite extensive. The ending freaked me out. I mean did she really have to dance for her step-father and then order for the guy she is on love with to have his head chopped off? And then take the head and talk to it because she wanted to kiss it? It was a very, very odd plotline. But it was entertaining at the same time. The only problem I had with opera was the set up. It was annoying that the subtitles were at the top because if one spent the entire time reading the subtitles you would miss what was actually happening in the play. I have a background of German so I was able to pick up the occasional phrase so that I was not forced to stare at the subtitles the whole time. But not being fluent, it was annoying to have to miss what was actually happening to read about what was going on. But overall I enjoyed the UC Common Event! I wish we could do things like this more often, even if it were just our UC World Politics group. It was a good time, and I am sure many would agree.