The creation by the group Quarteto Contratempus combined music, theater, and humor, in a proposal that aimed to demonstrate that opera, far from being an elitist genre, can be experienced and appreciated by all.
The narrative centered on the Associação Cultural e Recreativa Espelho de Narciso, an amateur theater company directed by Dr. Crispim Narciso, who dreamed of creating an opera and revealing his daughter's voice, Almerinda. To achieve this, auditions were held to find a new singer to join the company's small musical ensemble, consisting of the director (clarinetist), the young soprano Almerinda, and a newly arrived cellist.
On the day of the auditions, only one candidate appeared: Orfeu, the legendary hero. Realizing that the company viewed opera through traditions and clichés, Orfeu decided to challenge them with new ideas and other possibilities for creating and experiencing this musical genre, while also finding in Almerinda a reminder of his beloved Eurídice.
Using the mechanisms of traditional opera itself—between disguise, deception, and lyricism—Orfeu sought to stir up the small company and get closer to Almerinda. Through music, acting, and moments of humor, “O que é a Ópera – Um espetáculo Pertencioso” took the audience on a fun journey through the universe of opera, showing that this art form could be much closer to everyone than prejudices usually suggested.
