Going to the opera was a social occasion in the 18th and 19th centuries. The rise in the popularity of theatre and opera reflected the growing leisure
time and wealth of the upper middle classes.
Theatres were noisy, chaotic places and the aim was to see and be seen. The stage and the auditorium were lit from great chandeliers that hung from
the ceiling and the audience was as visible as the performers. Audiences would chat, walk around and play games. It wasn't unknown for ladies
to have a card table in the box for a game of cards during the performance.
The aisles in the pit were
known as ‘Fops
Alley' and young men would cruise
up and down flirting with the ladies. In addition there was standing
room on stage for audience members
which provided another distraction
from the focus of the performance.
Audiences stopped talking to listen to the aria which
was the great show piece that everyone
recognised. Then they would resume
their conversation, card game or perusal of other members
of the audience.
Introduction
