Women at the Operatic Helm

Abstract

The representation of women in opera, both on and off stage, has been an issue for all of opera’s 400-year history. In her now famous book Opera, or, the Undoing of Women (1979), Catherine Clement was one of the first to bring feminist theory to bear on opera scholarship, revealing true problems in the representation of operatic women on the stage in opera’s canon. But as I explore in this project, the same can be said for opera’s women behind the scenes. According to 2018 stats from OPERA America, out of the 786 total leadership positions held in North American houses, only 34.5% of administrative roles were occupied by women. 
 
 In this proposed poster presentation, I will analyze the data from 1990 to the present with respect to the lack of gender parity in the opera industry in North America. I will also report on a series of interviews I conducted with several prominent female-identifying leaders in the opera industry, revealing currents in their narratives, and lessons for future women in this field. I will use this data to outline possible steps towards a more equitable opera industry. As Francesca Zambello, the most distinguished female director/general director in North America today, shared in a recent speech: “Opera needs truly excellent leadership to thrive, and when women are discouraged, it halves our pool of possibilities. We need leadership that is representative of the diverse audience we have and hope to grow.”