Chelaxian opera

Shensen is a renowned Chelaxian opera diva.

In the Inner Sea region the theatrical art of opera is most popular in Cheliax, and famous Chelaxian operas have been performed throughout the region.

History

Chelaxian opera developed from Taldan operatic traditions centuries ago, after Cheliax declared its independence from Taldor in 4081 AR. In Cheliax, the art became more populist and accessible as a direct response to Taldan excesses and exclusivity.

Traditional Chelaxian opera, also known as High Chelish opera, was written in Azlanti and is intended to be performed in that language. Azlanti was replaced with Infernal for operas to be performed for diabolic House Thrune and those who seek an audience with them, and with Common tongues for public performances.

Modern forms

Traditional Chelaxian opera is very different from the modern operatic styles popular in Cheliax. Several forms of Chelaxian opera remain popular across the nation and in former Chelaxian territories.

Opera histria (spectacular opera) is the most widely known form, and transforms historical tales into epic spectacles of love and tragedy. They often tell stories of a famous hero's journey through various trials during a period of Cheliax's past.

While nobles often identify with the prominent heroes of opera histria, lighthearted opera prepostera (comedic opera) both depict commoners and attract them as an audience. These operas depict everyday situations with a particular focus on comedy, romance, and fantastical scenarios.

Opera verita (dramatic opera) hews most closely to tradition and depicts realistic stories, often about the downtrodden and those on the cusp of falling into poverty and ruin. These productions are the least fantastical in design and spectacle but no less elaborate or realistic in their sets and staging. Among the forms of Chelaxian opera, opera verita is the one considered a form of protest against House Thrune, making it particularly popular in the breakaway nation of Ravounel.

Notable patrons

The Lord Mayor of Westcrown, Aberian Arvanxi, was a keen fan of opera and spent a large amount of public money on the city's various opera houses.

The Chelaxian admiral-turned-pirate Arronax Endymion is a fan of traditional opera, and there are numerous productions in the unlikely setting of Endymion's pirate town of Hell Harbor in the Shackles. It is not clear whether the other residents share his passion for the arts, but those seeking the pirate lord's favour make a point of sitting through performances.

House Jeggare are longtime patrons of the Grand Opera House in Egorian.

Notable performers

Chelaxian opera singers often augment their performances with magic and practice fighting styles to portray more realistic stage combat. They typically operate independently or in companies, but have no unifying guild. Many have an unusual degree of access to Chelaxian nobles, which some leverage for personal gain or information.

Notable Chelaxian opera performers include:

• Elleste Gudgeon of Kintargo
• Ricovial Cebarinne of Kintargo
• Shensen of Kintargo
• Thesing Umbero Ulvauno of Westcrown