THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, February 1, 1996 TAG: 9601300136
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 16 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JOAN C. STANUS, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 73 lines
Like most guys his age, 19-year-old Dolph Jerabek is far more likely to listen to Hootie and the Blowfish than a Wagnerian aria.
But those days are changing.
After spending the last few weeks as a translator for Richard Haan, the lead in the Virginia Opera Association's current production of ``The Flying Dutchman,'' Jerabek has a new appreciation for ``that classical stuff.''
``Before I got this job, I'd only been to the opera once and that was for school to earn some extra credit,'' said Jerabek, a Virginia Wesleyan College student. ``But now, I'm into it. I understand what's going on . . . It takes a lot of rehearsal and training for people to do a great job.
``Now I'll probably buy season tickets.''
That's quite a turnaround for a teen who, until recently, spent most of his time surfing and waiting tables at his parents' downtown Norfolk resident, The Monastery.
When the VOA brought Haan to Norfolk for its latest production, staff members realized the opera star from the Czech Republic would have a handicap. Although Haan is fluent in four languages, including German and Italian, he speaks very little English.
Communicating with conductor and the director, other cast members, the costumer, the makeup artist and other staff might prove difficult, even though the opera itself is all in German.
So, VOA officials approached the Jerabeks, who, as natives of the Czech Republic, are fluent in Czechoslovakian.
On a whim, Dolph agreed to take on the job. The teenager figured serving as a translator would be a snap, having spoken Czech with his family since infancy. Little did he realize, Haan's world - and vocabulary - was far different than any he had encountered before.
``I didn't know what I was getting into,'' Dolph said. ``At first, it started rough. I understood everything he was saying, but because I didn't know much about opera, I had some problems. A lot of the vocabulary and musical terms threw me, so I had to go home and ask my parents what they were so I could do a better job. But now, it's smooth sailing.''
The job basically consists of ``following him around all day, like a puppy dog,'' Dolph explained with a laugh. During early rehearsals, the teen interpreted stage directions and feedback between singer and director. He helped Haan during costume fittings, makeup preparations and press interviews. Now that the show has opened, Dolph still spends an average of six to eight hours a day by Haan's side, helping him communicate.
Although a 27-year gap exists between their ages, the two men have developed a fast friendship in the time they've spent together. Haan, who was born in the same town Dolph's mother was, is an avid winter swimmer and takes dips in the Lafayette River every morning. Since Dolph loves to surf, the two share a common affection for the water, although Haan has yet to entice Dolph into accompanying him on his frigid dips.
``I'd like to try, but I don't know,'' the teen said with a grin. ``He told me he had to break the ice to get into the river some days. When I surf, I use a wet suit.''
Although heavily reliant on Dolph's help, Haan is still able to communicate - although with struggle - with cast members who know some German and Italian.
Still, having Dolph at his side has been a godsend for the star baritone.
``He's my first translator . . . ever,'' Dolph translated Haan as saying. It makes life much easier.''
And for Dolph?
``He's just great,'' the teen said with a broad smile. ``And music won't ever be the same again.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JIM WALKER
Opera star Richard Haan, left, with translator Dolph Jerabek.
by CNB