Episode Details

Up+Adam March 13, 2026 Sponsored by Portabidet

A single comment from Hollywood sparked a global arts conversation. When actor Timothée Chalamet joked that “no one cares about opera or ballet anymore,” the remark landed hard for artists who have dedicated their lives to those very forms. On this episode of Up+Adam, Adam sits down with two Central Coast creatives who know the reality behind the headlines: Brian Asher Alhadeff, General and Artistic Director of Opera San Luis Obispo, and Lisa Deyo, Artistic Director of Deyo Dances.

The conversation goes far beyond celebrity sound bites. Brian and Lisa share what it felt like to hear those comments as lifelong artists, why opera and ballet still hold profound emotional power, and what happens when audiences experience live performance for the first time. From the challenge of competing with modern entertainment to the magic of a live orchestra vibrating through a theater, they explore how these centuries-old art forms remain deeply human and relevant today. As Lisa beautifully puts it, opera and dance are not about “getting it right.” They are about feeling something.

Adam also dives into the local angle: what it takes to keep these art forms thriving right here on the Central Coast. The answer involves creativity, community, and constantly finding new ways to invite people into the experience. Because once someone steps into the theater and lets the performance wash over them, chances are they will want to come back again.

If you have ever been curious about opera, ballet, or live performance but felt intimidated, this conversation might be your invitation.

• Learn more about Opera San Luis Obispo

https://www.operaslo.org/

• Learn more about Deyo Dances

https://www.deyodances.com/

• Follow Opera SLO on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/operaslo/

• Follow Deyo Dances

https://www.instagram.com/deyodances/

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