There is a long history of debate over what opera is. Since it's more or less formal beginning in the sixteenth century as a reconstruction of ancient drama, opera as an art form has been controversial. The received understanding--emphasized by the genre's founders and in periodic efforts at reforming the standards of composition and…

Describes the summer program at St. Agnes School, in Kentucky, which puts on musicals about social issues. Focuses on the theme of this summer's musical, which is the futility and danger of violence. Discusses the awareness that the summer program musical has brought to the children. (AJL)