For nearly a decade, Portland has enjoyed the unique charm of free professional opera performances presented in various city locations, thanks to the innovative program known as Opera a la Cart.
Operated by the Portland Opera, this mobile performance venue aims to widen the audience for opera, a centuries-old art form, by setting up in different parks each summer.
The visual aesthetic of Opera a la Cart stands in stark contrast to the traditional grandeur of more conventional opera theaters.
The crew uses a refurbished food truck, formerly a popcorn vendor, which has been creatively converted to accommodate live performances.
Alexis Hamilton, the associate director of education outreach at Portland Opera, shared that the inspiration for this initiative arose from the vibrant food cart scene that Portland is known for.
“You get to have a full menu of operatic and musical theater and jazz standards all in one package in the summertime,” Hamilton explained.
On a hot summer Wednesday, the truck set up in the bustling Pioneer Courthouse Square.
Audience members gathered quickly, many of them passionate opera enthusiasts who frequently attend multiple shows throughout the summer.
Setting up the performance is a straightforward process.
The food truck features a wooden stage that folds down from its side, providing a ready-made performance area.
After adding a few microphones and speakers, the square transformed into an impromptu venue as office workers strolled by.
Alexis Walker, the manager of Opera a la Cart, emphasized the simplicity of the endeavor, both for the singers and the spectators.
“We set up a stage, we bring some amazing singers and a legendary pianist to play some diddlies, and then we go home,” Walker stated, summarizing their approach with, “Keep it sweet, keep it simple.”
The initiative highlights the goal of increasing community interest in opera, and the program showcases a diverse repertoire instead of sticking solely to opera classics.
During the performance mentioned, selections included musical theater numbers from popular productions like “Oklahoma” and “Les Misérables.”
For tenor Nathaniel Catasca, while performing from a modest food truck is a departure from the high production values of traditional venues, it comes with unique advantages.
“There’s a bit of shock, there’s surprise,” Catasca noted.
He observed that many audience members don’t realize what they are about to hear until they experience it live, leading to increased interest and curiosity about opera.
Hamilton acknowledged that while it remains uncertain whether the Opera a la Cart performances have led to increased ticket sales for regular productions, raising awareness is their primary focus.
The format also fosters a more intimate connection with the audience.
Catasca highlighted that in a conventional performance, he rarely sees his audience, unlike during these outdoor shows.
During a recent performance, all available seats filled with audience members, while others drifted into the area, drawn by the enchanting music emanating from the square.
Some attendees expressed their appreciation for having an accessible way to experience live opera in a more casual setting.
“This is kind of wonderful to have it here,” said Polly Jackson, enjoying the performance amid the city’s hustle and bustle.
According to Catasca, one of the significant achievements of Opera a la Cart is making opera more approachable.
Despite its sometimes daunting reputation, he believes that opera addresses universal human experiences.
“Some people question whether they’re relevant today,” he remarked.
“Opera, in and of itself, talks about the human condition all of the time.”
Catasca reflected on the timelessness of opera’s themes, noting that the struggles and triumphs of humanity echoed through generations, making it a compelling art form even today.
image source from：opb
