“The use of blackface is offensive, humiliating, and outright racist,” said Californian soprano Angel Blue, as she announced that she was pulling out of La Traviata at the Verona Arena.
She does not want to take part in the Verona Opera Festival because she is against blackface, which is being used in Franco Zeffirelli's production of Aida, first staged 20 years ago. Anna Netrebko and Liudmyla Monastyrska, both white and both wearing dark makeup, are singing in the opera. Netrebko has said in the past: “I will never be a white Aida.” She posted a photo in costume and makeup on social media, causing much uproar internationally.
On social media, Blue wrote:
The use of blackface under any circumstances, artistic or otherwise, is a deeply misguided practice based on archaic theatrical traditions which have no place in modern society. It is offensive, humiliating, and outright racist.
The Arena responded by appealing “to the culture that builds bridges” and above all to the age of the staging and stating that the production is well known and that Angel Blue could have known this when she made her commitment to sing in the Arena. “We have no motive or desire to offend or disturb anyone's sensibilities. Contradictions only fuel a culture of conflict that we totally reject,” said the management, adding, “We and the Arena audience are confidently waiting for you. It will be an opportunity for constructive dialogue beginning with your thoughts on the matter.”
Tenor Yusif Eyvazov, Netrebko's husband, said, “It's a world with double rules. You, Angel, cancel the performance for that reason, while nobody speaks out when a mezzo soprano puts on a beard and sings Don José.”
Grace Bumbry, now 85, said, “My dear Angel, during my 50-year career I have used a white face, if necessary, or my own, black. I have always preferred to go on stage without make-up so as not to change my skin colour, but it is possible that my preference went against the credibility of the character. As an artist you can choose your roles, but don't limit yourself to Aida, Selika and Bess.”
Blackface in opera is an issue that also concerns the roles of Ulrica, Amonasro and Otello.
In America, many theatres, including the Metropolitan Opera, have recently abolished the use of blackface for Aida and Otello, which originated in the 19th century in America as a form of cabaret with white people wearing black makeup. But in Europe and in Russia (Netrebko's country of origin) there are still many singers who are ‘painted' or have their eye shape changed for eastern heroines.
Angel Blue added:
I was so looking forward to making my house debut at Arena di Verona singing one of my favorite operas, but I cannot in good conscience associate myself with an institution which continues this practice.
Graham Spicer is a writer, director and photographer in Milan, blogging (under the name ‘Gramilano') about dance, opera, music and photography for people “who are a bit like me and like some of the things I like”. He was a regular columnist for Opera Now magazine and wrote for the BBC until transferring to Italy.
His scribblings have appeared in various publications from Woman's Weekly to Gay Times, and he wrote the ‘Danza in Italia' column for Dancing Times magazine.
Having brought up grandchildren of mixed race (African/UK) I am fully aware of racial tensions – but think Angel Blue is “over the top” with her views on the Verona production issues. A “white-skinned” singer would have to “make up” for a “black-skinned” role – she wouldn’t and vice-versa. I don’t personally see the problem .
If a white singer – “blacked up” to sing a role for a black singer -as a white skinned person – I would not be in the slightest bit offended. This is mischief making in my humble opinion, and is likely cause or stir up racial issues – that do or did not exist. Angel Blue should “get a life”and allow everybody else the freedom to get on with theirs.
El teatro (y la ópera lo es), es el reino del disfraz, en función de lo imaginado por sus autores. Y que el color negro sea racismo, es coincidir… con los racistas.
??? Is she misguided or purely ignorant? Makeup always used in film so why can’t live opera use blackface to make a white lead performer do the part of a negro princess(Aida, Ethiopian negro)
She is beyond intelligent or was hoping to have the lead which she is not as accomplished as Netrebko.
This raises an interesting question on stage make-up. Is there such a thing as “whiteface”? Do dark-skinned singers wear lightening makeup? Stage make-up traditionally is heavy to be visible at distance. Close-up it looks mask-like.
Second ?, do stage directions usually specify makeup color?
Ms. Bumbry’ comments were condescending and unreflective. It is embarrassing for her.
If Ms Blue doesn’t like more than 100-years-old traditions of Italian opera and doesn’t accept the staging and make-up by great Franco Zeffirelli – the way to the airport and a plane to USA is always open and it is not necessary to buy a return ticket. Nobody will miss in Europe a singer with such a bad nationalistic complex who puts the color of makeup over the singer’s level. Bye forever “angel”.