The opera “Blue,” currently showing at Lyric Opera, brings to light the complexities of race and policing in contemporary America. Commissioned in 2015 by Glimmerglass Festival artistic director Francesca Zambello, the opera tells the story of a Black family in Harlem, focusing on the father, mother, and son.
In the first act, we see the parents as a young couple eagerly anticipating the birth of their son. The mother runs a restaurant, while the father, portrayed movingly by bass Kenneth Kellogg, is a conflicted police officer. Their son, played by tenor Travon D. Walker, becomes a symbol of rebellion and is tragically killed by police in a protest demonstration.
The opera delves into the father’s internal struggle as a Black man in law enforcement, torn between providing for his family and being complicit in a system that fails his community. The son’s desire to protest and challenge the status quo leads to a heartbreaking confrontation with his father, highlighting the generational divide and the complexities of Black identity in America.
Throughout the opera, the emotional depth of the characters is beautifully portrayed through the libretto by Tazewell Thompson and the vocal score by Jeanine Tesori. The themes of grief, loss, and resilience are woven into the narrative, creating a powerful and thought-provoking experience for the audience.
The production at Lyric Opera features outstanding performances by the cast, including mezzo-soprano Zoie Reams as the mother and Norman Garrett as the Reverend. The sets and lighting, designed by Donald Eastman and Robert Wierzel, enhance the emotional intensity of the story, while guest conductor Joseph Young leads the orchestra with precision and sensitivity.
In the end, “Blue” offers a poignant reflection on the complexities of race, family, and justice in America. The opera challenges audiences to confront uncomfortable truths and engage in difficult conversations about the role of law enforcement in Black communities.
Overall, “Blue” is a masterful production that sheds light on the Black experience in America and the ongoing struggles for racial justice. It is a must-see for anyone interested in thought-provoking and emotionally resonant storytelling.
