Around 10 years ago, I discovered Andre Segovia on the radio. This led to a serious fascination of everything from early music to early 19th century stuff. On Saturday night, Brendi and I saw the opening of a new production of Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro." I've always wanted to see this. The experience is unlike anything I've been through before.

Although I've heard the entire thing on CD hundreds of times before, seeing the story acted out is completely different. A comedy like this has scenes that revolve around physical acting, something you cannot get through an audio recording. The cast was truly awesome and everyone nailed their performance (especially Susanna and Rosina).

It is interesting to see a work like this. Let's face it, opera is considered an art for the wealthy and priviledged. The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion isn't exactly a local dive.

But picture lots of rich people applauding a opera that makes fun of people like them. You see, Figaro was banned from ever being performed because it was considered too subversive, too revolutionary. Originally a play by Pierre-Augustin Beaumarchais, Louis XVI forbid it's performance. Not only does it have common people as the main characters, they also outwit the rich and powerful nobles. In the end it's the servants who win. Considering the political climate of Europe (especially France) in the 1780's, it's no wonder why Figaro was considered a dangerous piece to stage. Mozart and librettist Lorenzo da Ponte mustered enough support to get a commission for the court theatre in Vienna. That alone is a feat.

It's ironic that such a work is lost to the people it was truly meant for.