Diva Daydream

Part of today’s class topic was a riveting, open-ended discussion on the idea of The Diva. Insofar, we discussed reasons as to why the idea of the diva is so cherished and celebrated, some of which include the idea that the Diva experiences the emotional extremes, which most people never feel to that extent. The Diva possess an all-embracing range of emotions and characteristics; dominant yet submissive, stable yet unstable, seemingly normal but actually a little cracked, extreme ecstasy to suicidal tendencies. Who wouldn’t want the opportunity to relish in a euphoric world, even if it was for a single moment in time? In essence, that is what the Diva symbolizes; larger than life experiences which we all wish to attain at some point in life.

Reflecting on the past operas we have studied, I began to look comparatively at all of the female roles thus far. The outer shell of these woman share similar strengths that governs how they act. However, all are influenced or easily persuaded by a male figure thus exposing an inevitably weak side. Please excuse me while I ramble on (I mean vent) about them for a hot second. Cleopatra exudes power and sensuality, yet she insists upon killing herself with a snake because of a man. (I would call that a poor life decision.) Sadie, left Willie Stark’s office on account of him finding “true love.” She felt like she was being replaced, with a “real” woman, as opposed to all his other previous promiscuous encounters, which she tolerated. (Now really, ask yourself, would you tolerate even one indiscretion from a potential lover? Absolutely NOT!) Ann Stanton, where do I begin? She is a wishy-washy, narcissistic woman, born with a silver spoon in her mouth, yet somehow she finds herself in tumultuous situations. Torn by two men, lives a life in secrecy because she’s afraid the public will find out about her affair. Although she is rather flaccid, her situation is melodramatic because she is being coveted by two men, she has dark secrets, yet somehow she pulls through and sets her self “free” to be with Willie and then he bites the dust. Now folks, who really wants to experience that in real life??? Ummmmmm the audience! The audience craves drama and resolve. Who doesn’t want to see a reformed sinner? Personally, I think Bill Clinton would be a perfect candidate for an opera!

People feed off of gossip and fantasize about other peoples’ lives all the time. We see this in the grocery stores right before checking out. Take a moment and ask yourself (be honest): How much do I know about Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitts relationship? Maybe you could even talk a little about Jen? I will openly admit I look at those magazines when I am in line, I can’t deny it. The fact of the matter is, people want to live a “glamorous” life vicariously through those apparently experiencing it. Movie stars, opera stars, politicians live in an esoteric world that we romanticize.

Finally, I’d like to make another point regarding fame and the idea of the Diva. There are those, who are timeless and there are those who dry up. Wayne Koestenbaum, who wrote The Queen’s Throat, makes a very interesting point as he adoringly describes Maria Callas; “She was Callas long before she died, but she would be a little less Callas if she were still living.” Melancholy but true. Many times there are super stars and then they disappear from our daily radar, which I think enhances the idea of the Diva effect. It adds to the mystery and wonder of what the future might have held had the superstar not died. Maria Callas definitely fits into this mold. However, what if she were still alive, would she be considered a “has been” today? Another example, from pop culture, is Nirvana’s lead singer Kurt Cobain who was in the height of his career when he committed suicide. Does this sort of thing add to the legendary, diva aspect of a superstar??? I think it’s the idea of the unimaginable, intangible, and unfathomable aspects of life that the average person desires. Now, personally I have no desire to lead a turbulent, bipolar life, but it is fun to dabble with these extremes time and again. Hence, the reason I love the stage; I want to wear the lavish, shimmering dresses, I want to sing a beautiful phrase and I want my knight and shining armor… even if it is only for two hours of my life… to come and rescue me. Hell, its opera, make it three hours!