As they say “may you live in interesting times..”

For many this time of isolation is stressful. This unavoidable change in their lives gives them a lot more free time than they are used to. Many turn to reading, music and entertainment to keep their mid occupied and why not? Just because something is entertaining doesn’t mean it doesn’t have value and you can’t learn something from it!

This week’s Met Opera free video streams offer a host of opportunities to explore further! Hope you will enjoy learning more while we all stay close to home...

Rusalka- Here’s a great opportunity to read or re-read Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale, The Little Mermaid. Compare and contrast the stories and characters. Pull up the Disney musical to see what is the same and what is different, from both the opera and from the book. Maybe this could be a project with kids or grandkids? Did you miss it? Check out Opera on Video or Youtube for a full production to share.

Boris Godunov- Political intrigue in ancient Russia.

• Get an overview on his life story with Wikipedia- Click here
• Read the original play by Pushkin 
• Check out the TV Series (looks like it's on Prime):

Madama Butterfly

• Read the original book by its short and has a different ending... check your favorite book App
• Check out this podcast comparison of this opera with the musical Miss Saigon. (The Opera After Dark crew can use some “bad words” but I always learn a TON from them!) Click here

Adrianna Lecouvreur

• Check out her life story overview on Wikipedia -fascinating- Click here