Original image by There Stands the Glass.
Satirical “Any Functioning Adult” campaign signs aren’t particularly helpful in this election cycle. The gag dismisses real problems that aren’t laughing matters. Besides, I feel as if I’ve only begun to come of age in recent weeks. My daily opera initiative during the pandemic altered my worldview. I’ve endured a lot of sentimental hooey, irrelevant relics, trite diversions and yes, boatloads of pretentiousness, in a quest to discover a handful of works that have enhanced my humanity and lifted a heretofore invisible veil of ignorance.
Operas including Wagner’s Der Ring des Nibelungen, Mozart’s “Die Zauberflöte” and Strauss’ “Salome” are among the essential cultural touchstones for anyone aspiring to become a fully informed global citizen. My prior obliviousness of these essential works shames me. Only now do I feel as the dimension in which thoroughly educated people function is coming into focus.
“Einstein on the Beach”- the 189th opera in a binge that’s closing in on 200 productions- isn’t indispensable. Yet a willful surrender to all five hours of Philip Glass’ 1976 work transmuted me into a state of enlightened acquiescence. Many of my acquaintances might argue that I’m still not a “functioning adult.” I may lack maturity and refinement, but I’m well on my way to becoming an enlightened barbarian.