Operatic State

<p><em>The Operatic State</em> examines the cultural financial and political investments that have gone into the maintenance of opera and opera houses in Europe the USA and Australia. It analyses opera's nearly immutable form throughout wars revolutions and vast social changes throughout the world. Bereson argues that by legitimising the power of the state through universally recognised ceremonial ritual opera enjoys a privileged status across three continents often to the detriment of popular and indigenous art forms.</p>