In Fresno this week a centuries old art form joins the digital age, too. There is good reason for why the 'big screen technology' won over the Fresno Grand Opera.
This weekend the Saroyan Theatre in Downtown Fresno is playing host to the Fresno Grand Opera's staging of Verdi's 'Macbeth' written in 1847. The professional voices and acting tell a story of betrayal and murder accompanied by an equally professional orchestra.
But up in the last row of balcony details is impossible to see. That's true in the lower level depending on where you sit. That's why opera goers bring cheaters.
Cast member and tenor Jeffery Springer told laughed about this long opera tradition, "everybody remembers the pictures of the funny old opera glasses."
Toss 'em out the window if you're headed to 'Macbeth' over its three night run beginning with Friday's opening performance. 'DEVA' - Digitally Enhanced Visual Arts - is in the house. And Springer loves it, "This is great because it brings things right up for people to see. Plus everything we're singing is right on the bottom of the screen."
Fresno Grand Opera says this is a first for any opera company in America's Opera House. Director Ron Eichman says it could lead to a new and younger generation embracing this centuries old art form, "a chance to see a full screen image of what is happening on the stage, live. They are most interested in that quick opportunity to connect with something."
Two high definition projectors are fed by two high def cameras. Add in the open captioning and the live performance can be seen in detail no matter where you sit. That is a bonus says Associate Director Thi Nguyen, "I think it's going to be great. It's similar to watching a foreign movie so you can look at the stage, you can look at the screen, you see the sub-titles right there."
Whether your ticket to Fresno Grand Opera's Macbeth costs you $18 bucks or $9 bucks every seat has 'DEVA vision.'
Will everyone love that? Is the 'yet to be answered' question.
