Opera has long served as the foundation for many significant works of literature and cinema. While it may seem outdated or difficult to appreciate for some, its complex nature may make it difficult for some to fully grasp. Additionally, opera is often associated with being very expensive, thus, making it inaccessible to the general public. However, when opera was adapted into books, musicals, or films, such as Scenes from the Latin Quarter or Rent, they became more accessible, allowing a wider audience to experience and connect with the art. This shift democratizes the art form, reaching far beyond just the elite and touching the hearts of so many more.

Personally, I have never been a fan of opera, but I was enlightened to discover its connection to other works I am deeply passionate about. Rent, one of my favorite musicals, is a perfect example. I was thrilled when we were assigned to watch it for this class, especially since I was watching it for the fourth time. The music and story always move me to tears, and as I get older, I find myself relating more deeply to the characters’ struggles. The themes of love, loss, and perseverance resonate in new ways with each viewing.

Similarly, Scenes from the Latin Quarter were at times difficult to follow, but I eventually grasped the plot and the characters’ challenges. Their unwavering passion to pursue their dreams as artists, despite facing rejection, heartbreak, and financial hardship, was both inspiring and relatable. These themes of triumph and struggle, though set in a different time, are timeless. Whether in the operas of the past or in modern-day musicals like Rent, they highlight the universal challenges of pursuing one’s dreams in a harsh reality set to deter us.

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