Madam, - When I attended the Opera Ireland production of Mozart's The Magic Flute last April I wondered for a while if I had wandered into an out-of-season performance of a Christmas pantomime. On a previous occasion I had a similar feeling when old motor cars were pushed across the stage during a performance of Carmen.
A friend commented that one could always close one's eyes and listen to the music. True, but I could do that in the comfort of my own home with much less trouble and expense.
In April I saw that La Traviata was to be performed in November and, fearing the worst, I decided to give it a miss. Having read Michael Dervan's review (November 23rd), I am delighted I did so.
Is there any possibility that in the not too distant future we will again see operas performed as was originally intended? - Yours, etc,
GERALD SHEEAN, Saval Park Road, Dalkey.