That is true and it is also unfortunate. The most important components for me, I have to say, are the drama and the character, and how those two elements play out vocally and in the story. The theatrical aspect is at least of equal importance to me as the vocal aspect. I think it is something that is changing in our field, and we will start to see more and more singers pay greater attention to the dramatic elements. As a participant, I do not mean to have any disrespect for the enormous discipline it takes just to master a role and perform it vocally.
Opera is a very demanding art - it is incredibly difficult.
But, I think we can always do more in terms of interpreting the moments. It is becoming less and less acceptable to just stand there and sing. We are also having this forced upon us by directors which, frankly, I welcome because it makes it more interesting. Look at the movies we have in front of us today. Next to them, opera seems like an antique.