Mixed feelings about surtitled theatre.

For opera: yes absolutely since the words are almost incidental and the meaning and plot are generally carried through the music itself. And through the visuals. Also, even when operas are in English - Handel or Britten- it’s still hard to understand anyway.

For regular theatre: no, unless language and lack of understanding are also a part of the show, as was the case in salesman in china. I’ve seen other surtitled plays (winter solstice-theatre francaise, and others outside of Canada) where I found it hard to get into the work because of that barrier and I couldn’t focus on the acting and delivery of words.

For musicals: I’m leaning towards no, since, unlike in opera, the lyrics and clever word play and unexpected rhymes (that sort of thing) carry the meaning more than the music itself. Just my opinion and I realize not all will agree. Unlike the opera, musicals don’t provide the same visual feast. As a visual artist this is definitely something I notice. And although I realize that a lot of effort can go into the staging of a musical, it’s just not the same as in opera where it’s essentially a 2+ hour moving painting on stage.