Now that I think about it, Strauss’s “Ariadne auf Naxos” at @StaatsoperBLN made a lot of sense for the COVID era since the opera’s kinda about confusion and whether to laugh or cry. Anyway — check out the socially distant seating equal to ~20% capacity how weird is all this.

At the opera in Berlin, every person has to fill out a form with your contact details in case they need to reach you about a COVID positive case. Couples/people who come together can sit next to each other. But otherwise they spread you out.

During a pause between scenes, the stage hands came out to spray/disinfect the area since, if you think about it, the opera singers (not wearing masks) are inhaling/exhaling deeply. Masks for audience members are optional once you are seated. I kept mine on, as did some others.

This was the first time I’ve heard live music since early spring. And to do so with one of the best orchestras and opera companies on earth — I am very lucky. Anna Samuil as Ariadne was fantastic; and everyone loved Sarah Aristidou as Zerbinetta.