Comparing Gilbert And Sullivan's 'The Mikado'
During the late 1800’s in England, two composers by the name of W.S Gilbert, and Arthur Sullivan composed a comic opera by the name of “The Mikado.” The opera was an instant hit. The show ran for 672 performances at the Savoy Theatre in London. It was also performed at countless other theatres all over England. “The Mikado” is a comic opera that was written to poke fun at various aspects of British culture. Gilbert and Sullivan executed this by setting the opera in a fictitious Japanese town. In the time that the opera was originally performed, Japan was seen as very foreign and mystic. Not much was know much about the distant land and therefore it was a perfect setting to use. The show got many of its laughs from over-playing the few
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It gives people a chance to express what they believe in, how they feel, or any other subject they choose. For this reason, I believe “The Mikado” should be allowed to continue to be performed without censorship. In Gwynn Guilford’s article titled, “It’s time to stop using ‘exoticism’ as an excuse for opera’s racism”, it mentions replacing traditional aspects of the costume and adding articles such as tennis shoes and wigs. To me this is censoring the artistic expression of Gilbert and Sullivan. While I don’t agree with that idea in the article, I do agree with a different one. Guilford suggests having programs that are more history-heavy. I think that is a step in the right direction that would inform more people of the meaning behind what they see. Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Mikado” still goes down in history as one of the most performed comic operas ever made. The reason that is, is because it is truly an excellent opera. It combines humor, drama, and cultural satire (on the British) perfectly. I believe people need to look past their initial perception and realize that “The Mikado” is not actually racist at all. It is a historical landmark that needs to continue to be honored and
It gives people a chance to express what they believe in, how they feel, or any other subject they choose. For this reason, I believe “The Mikado” should be allowed to continue to be performed without censorship. In Gwynn Guilford’s article titled, “It’s time to stop using ‘exoticism’ as an excuse for opera’s racism”, it mentions replacing traditional aspects of the costume and adding articles such as tennis shoes and wigs. To me this is censoring the artistic expression of Gilbert and Sullivan. While I don’t agree with that idea in the article, I do agree with a different one. Guilford suggests having programs that are more history-heavy. I think that is a step in the right direction that would inform more people of the meaning behind what they see. Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Mikado” still goes down in history as one of the most performed comic operas ever made. The reason that is, is because it is truly an excellent opera. It combines humor, drama, and cultural satire (on the British) perfectly. I believe people need to look past their initial perception and realize that “The Mikado” is not actually racist at all. It is a historical landmark that needs to continue to be honored and