Audience VS us

In this current Cosi production, the stage is so lit, drowned with bright white lights. The floor is covered with a milky white material, and to us on stage, it seems like the lights in front of us, in the house itself, were never even dimmed at all.
We can actually look out into the audience, and see each and every person's face.
This creates a unique situation for us; as it feels almost like the intimacy you get as a recitalist, singing very close to your audience. However, this is a hall of 2500 seats, and the people who come to see us, do not at all realize that we can see not only their face, but specifically analyze their expression.

Today's opera goers are not so much used to a close exchange with the artist on stage; I speak even of my self; we are so used to watching TV at home, or going to the cinema, where you can take your shoes off , stretch your self , sink into your seat, chew popcorn or pick your nose if you chose to; You are unseen and can consume what's presented without the obligation of giving anything back in return. No appreciation needed in the darkness.

This I find can become a slightly hurtful situation when it turns to be us on stage, and our forgetful exposed audience right there, not unseen at all. Here is my recollection:
People Yawning, looking down, fidgeting, talking, rolling their eyes, bored stiff, texting their phone (!), thinking about work, deep asleep, (yes! head tilted back, mouth open, the whole real deal!) or even leaving.
When any of this happens, I can't help but feeling extremely discouraged.
Of course, I *know* that out of 2500 people, some would have to do something else other than sitting on the edge of their seat and being lovingly taken by our 3.5 hours of Cosi Fan effing tutte. But this rational knowledge still doesn't help me to feel any better at all. Yes, I take it personally.
People, please realize that there is no screen between us, it ain't dark, and wev'e got feelings too. Thank you. lol.