New dramatic and technological trends in the stage direction in opera

Stage directors of opera are employing new technologies and dramatic conceptions in their efforts to reconceive opera in non-traditional ways. After examining the dramatic bases for these trends, I explore specific strategies employed by stage directors. For example, if one decides to update the time period, how are costumes, scenery, stage movement, and gesture affected. Looking at representative productions by a selection of international opera companies, I explore new dramatic conceptions such as ambiguous identity of main characters and investigate how the introduction of new technologies has enabled directors to achieve radically new perspectives on the drama. I conclude with my own recommendations for re-imagining opera.