Live Streaming of Verdi's Otello

Live Streaming of Verdi’s Otello from the Royal Opera House

I wondered about the techniques used in the live streaming of opera when I wrote about Il Trovatore (February 2017). I felt that close up camera work often did the performers no favours and detracted from the staging – an opera’s audience is supposed to see each part in the context of the whole, as presented by the director, set designer and choreographer on the stage.

Il Trovatore and Amadeus - live cinema streaming

Il Trovatore and Amadeus – Screening and Casting

Twice in one recent week I’ve sat in a cinema and watched live broadcasts. The first was from the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden (Il Trovatore). The second was from the National Theatre (Amadeus).

Both were excellent productions (in the main), and I’m not going to add to the many ecstatic reviews which each has garnered. I am writing about three things: race, age and camera work.