ENGLISH MEBY

芸術、気候変動、そして未来:オペラ衣装が織りなす物語」の英語長文問題

以下の英文を読み、設問に答えなさい。

The grand opera house stood silent, a monument to a bygone era. Inside, however, a flurry of activity hinted at a vibrant future. Costumes, shimmering under the dim lights, were not merely remnants of past performances; they were canvases for a new artistic expression. This wasn't just about the aesthetic value of the elaborate designs, the meticulous craftsmanship, or the historical significance of the fabrics. This was about climate change, long-term weather forecasting, and the unexpected intersection of art and science. Renowned costume designer, Isabella Rossi, had embarked on an ambitious project: integrating climate data into her designs. Each costume, meticulously crafted, embodied a specific year's weather patterns. The texture of the fabric, the color palette, even the embellishments—all were influenced by temperature fluctuations, rainfall data, and prevailing wind patterns. A sweltering summer was represented by a fiery red silk, its texture rough to the touch, mimicking the oppressive heat. A harsh winter was conveyed through layers of heavy, dark velvet, studded with icy crystals. This wasn't mere symbolism. Rossi collaborated with climatologists, meticulously analyzing decades of weather data for each region where the opera was to be performed. The data was translated into a visual language—a language understood by everyone, regardless of their scientific background. For example, subtle variations in the shade of blue in a gown reflected changes in ocean temperature over time, while the embroidery depicted changes in glacial ice cover. The longer-term forecasts were shown by the gradual shifting of colour palettes over the course of an opera. The opera itself, “The Tempest’s Chorus,” served as a poignant backdrop. Its narrative explored the destructive consequences of neglecting environmental warnings, mirroring the increasing urgency of the climate crisis. Through Rossi’s innovative designs, the audience wasn’t just watching a performance; they were experiencing a powerful visual representation of climate change, a compelling narrative woven into the very fabric of the costumes. The project attracted considerable international attention, not only from art enthusiasts but also from scientists. It demonstrated the potential of art to communicate complex scientific concepts in an accessible and engaging way. By combining artistic expression with long-term weather data, Rossi's work sparked conversations about environmental responsibility and the need for proactive solutions, proving that even the most exquisite of art forms can serve as a powerful tool for raising awareness and inspiring action.

1. What is the central idea of the passage?

2. According to the passage, how did Isabella Rossi incorporate climate data into her designs?

3. What was the significance of the opera “The Tempest’s Chorus” in this project?

4. What is the main impact of Rossi's project, as described in the passage?