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Chalamet's comments spark backlash from arts communities
Oscar-nominated actor Timothée Chalamet faced criticism this week after suggesting ballet and opera are art forms that "no-one cares about any more." The remarks, made during an interview with Matthew McConaughey, drew sharp responses from professionals in Northern Ireland's opera and ballet scenes.
The controversy
In a Variety-posted YouTube interview last month, Chalamet expressed concern about cinema's declining popularity but added: "I don't want to be working in ballet or opera or things where it's like, 'Keep this thing alive even though no-one cares about this any more.'" He later acknowledged the statement might offend, quipping he had "lost 14 cents in viewership" and offering respect to those in the fields.
Opera: "Not a dying art form"
Belfast-based soprano Petra Wells, 28, called Chalamet's comments "misguided." Having fallen in love with opera at age seven, Wells now performs regularly with Northern Ireland Opera and insists the art form remains vibrant. "Opera is for everyone," she said, urging people not to be deterred by one person's opinion.
Wells pointed to sold-out productions during and after the pandemic, including a La Traviata performance that sold out before opening night. She also noted over 100 local singers auditioned for just 30 spots in a recent chorus development program, underscoring strong local interest.
"People do listen to opera-they sometimes just don't realise they're listening to it."
Petra Wells, soprano
Ballet: A thriving foundation
Charlotte Fastiggi, Company Director of Professional Academy of Dance NI, argued ballet and opera are "highly skilled professions" that bring communities together. "It wouldn't still be around if people didn't enjoy it," she said, emphasizing their role in Northern Ireland's cultural landscape.
Nicole Meier, principal of The Dance Studio in Bangor, echoed this sentiment. With 30 years in operation, her studio sees young dancers flooding in as early as age three. "Ballet is the foundation of all dance styles," Meier said, adding that alumni from her program now perform globally. She predicted the art form would thrive for "many more beautiful years."
Northern Ireland's arts scene pushes back
Northern Ireland Opera's chief executive, Cameron Menzies, dismissed Chalamet's remarks as "a generalised and outdated view." He highlighted the company's sold-out productions and growing audience engagement, noting that classical music often influences viral TikTok trends.
Wells and Fastiggi both stressed the importance of supporting local arts, particularly in a region with fewer large-scale productions than England. "Young performers need to feel inspired and see these career paths are possible," Fastiggi said.
A call to experience live performance
Wells challenged Chalamet to visit a local opera house or theatre to witness audiences "filling the seats, smiling, clapping on their feet." She also addressed perceptions of opera as elitist, saying: "If you want to wear a floor-length gown, power to you. But it's really just about experiencing live music that makes you feel something."
As the Oscars approach, the debate underscores a broader conversation about the value of traditional art forms in an era dominated by digital entertainment.
