Nudity in opera

[Jimlejim]

http://www.operavivra.com/blog/nudity-in-opera/

I just read this post by Ilana. I think I agree with her conclusion:

Ultimately, the appropriateness of nudity in opera boils down to a simple question: does having naked people onstage serve the story the director is trying to tell? If so, nudity is called for. If not, tread with caution: United States audiences, at least, are likely to find gratuitous naked bodies distracting.

It can serve a purpose and we shouldn't be so prudish, anyway. Thoughts?

[Darksoprano]

I honestly think plenty of sex and sensuality can be communicated through costumes without having to flaunt genitalia on the opera stage. Does it TRULY add something?

[Jim]

I agree completely with Darksoprano.

If one cannot achieve what one wants without nudity on stage, then the individual should probably not be in the business. I have seen some nudity on stage on a number of occasions, not always in opera, and cannot think of any performance when it was either necessary or appropriate.

I am also not convinced that it achieves what may be its primary purpose, of attracting more punters to the opera.

What has prudishness got to do with it?

Jim