The Palais Garnier in Paris, one of the oldest theaters still in use, was designed as a place where attendees not only enjoyed performances but also showcased their social status. At a 150th anniversary gala, guests encounter ornate features like baroque sculptures and mirrors intended for them to check their appearance before entering the opulent auditorium. This emphasis on self-presentation reflects the cultural importance of appearances for the bourgeoisie during France's industrial boom, making the opera experience as much about the audience as about the performances themselves.
The point of the opera was to parade, for the elites of the time to offer a spectacle: themselves, said Lamiable. "They were there to give them some psychological reassurance."
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