OPERA, n. A play representing life in another world, 
whose inhabitants have no speech but song, 
no motions but gestures and no postures but attitudes. 
All acting is simulation, and the word simulation 
is from simia, an ape; but in opera the actor 
takes for his model Simia audibilis (or 
Pithecanthropos stentor) -- the ape that howls.
            The actor apes a man -- at least in shape;
            The opera performer apes an ape.