Operagoers, Heal Thyselves

I, for one, enthusiastically support the Music Center’s policy during the run of “Tristan und Isolde” of not allowing latecomers to enter the theater until the first intermission (“Opera Latecomers Irkied by Seating Policy,” by Christine Ziaya, Dec. 21).

The latecomers who complained about how poorly they were treated evidently have not considered the feelings of those of us who constantly arrive on time only to be jostled, trampled, and annoyed by their entrance into the theater after the beginning of a performance.

I heartily wish that the Music Center and other local theaters would adopt this policy at all times. Yes, traffic is tough in L.A., restaurants are slow, we all get delayed at work . . . but many of us manage in spite of these things to be in our seats when the performance begins.

KATHRYN SHIVELY

Los Angeles