Operas are performed not "played"?

[Joshua Wilson]

My specialization is in theatre.  I used to teach a Intro to Theatre 
course and part of the curriculum, handed to me by the department 
chair, was discussing various meanings of the word "play" because it 
is so integral to dramatic productions.  

One can say "to play a role" referring to what actors (or ballerinas 
or opera singers) do.  One can also say "to play a 
piece/performance/opera/ballet."  I will admit that "to perform" is 
more often used, but "play" is, at least for those of us who study 
theatre seriously, a perfectly acceptable word and a very revealing 
one about the process of performing (playing).  

Just for the record, I am not properly a linguist, nor a Brit.  ;) 

Josh Wilson

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <atacama at global.co.za>
To: <SEELANGS at listserv.cuny.edu>
Sent: Friday, March 10, 2006 10:04 PM
Subject: [SEELANGS] Operas are performed not "played"?


> One can't say what opera is playing - no matter what venue.
> An opera is performed.
> One can say that is "playing" at the local cinema (as slang).
> One can say: "What play is on (or 'being performed') at the
> local theatre." 
> Opera is far too serious to be confused with 'playing'.
> I am being a purist....because that is how we were taught in England.
> American-English is considered far to 'loose' in wording.
> 
> vera b-m

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