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Codebreaker

New opera alert: Fail Whale

Marc Sanchez Dec 7, 2011

When it comes to documenting a live event like a concert or a TV show or the game of the week, live-tweeting has become about as common as popcorn at the movies. Now events like symphony and opera performances are getting in on the act. Time to change the the Twitter bird into a tuxedo (does that mean it’s a penguin?). The Los Angeles Times documents the trend in spaces across the country, previously meant to keep your attention on the stage saying, “This month  came news that the new Tateuchi Center in Bellevue, Wash., is being constructed with its own wireless antenna to allow audiences to tweet, text and access Facebook during live performances.” Arts and culture organizations think that letting an audience tweet will appeal to a younger crowd. But there’s a fine line to walk, with long-time, older patrons who might not take kindly to glowing screens during a Puccini crescendo. For now, venues are offering “tweet seats,” which cordon off the wired from the rest of the audience (groundlings anyone?).

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