Lighting at the Opera

Opera Pacific’s performance of “The Flying Dutchman” may have been as good as Mark Swed’s review indicated (“Wagner Brought to Life,” Jan. 21). However, since I was forced to close my eyes and keep my head down for major portions of the second and third acts, I could not say.

I’m sure the lighting effects were very impressive viewed from the orchestra section. I would recommend any director contemplating such displays in the future view them from all seats in the house. Having high-wattage stage lights aimed in one’s face is more conducive to a nagging headache than a pleasant opera experience.

LEE AYDELOTTE

Huntington Beach