By: Leela Xie

Angel Blue, a Grammy Award-winning opera singer, was due to make her Arena di Verona debut in Verdi’s La Traviata during the summer opera season.

The American soprano, who was scheduled to play Violetta, declared on social media on July 14th that she would no longer be singing at the Italian venue after Blackface claims rocked the iconic festival following photographs shared by famed Russian soprano, Anna Netrebko.

Netrebko can be seen in Instagram images donning black makeup to represent the Ethiopian princess Aida from Verdi’s opera of the same name. Even though Netrebko’s actions have been extensively lambasted in the music business, particularly on social media, the Arena recently defended their makeup choices, arguing that their performance was historical and “made when these sensitive issues were not such an issue.”

For decades, civil rights organizations in the United States have publicly condemned blackface — the practice of blackening the faces of white actors — as demeaning Blacks by introducing and reinforcing racial stereotypes.

Blue announced her decision to decline her Arena di Verona debut on her social media platforms with two black paneled slides. Fans praised the famous soprano for “taking a stand” in the comments section of her Instagram post.

In response to Blue’s cancellation, the Arena issued a statement saying, “the primary goal of the Fondazione Arena di Verona has always been to promote peace via the spread and growth of music and art.” Culture builds bridges.”

“We believe in discussion, in understanding others’ points of view, in respect of consciously assumed artistic commitments,” the business added. “Angel, we and the Arena di Verona audience are looking forward to meeting you: it will be an opportunity for productive and concrete debate, beginning with your reflections.”

Nonetheless, the theater expressed hope that her protest will lead to more cross-cultural understanding and educate Italian audiences.

The Arena of Verona Foundation declared in a statement, “Every country has different roots, and their cultural and social institutions evolved along different historical and cultural trajectories.” “Common convictions are frequently reached only after years of deliberation and mutual understanding.”

It’s not the first time a soprano has expressed displeasure with the employment of blackface makeup in a Verona production of “Aida.” Tamara Wilson, a white opera singer, objected to darkening her face in order to perform the title character of an Ethiopian woman in an upcoming opera at the Arena.

In the Arena di Verona production between July 22nd and 30th, Angel Blue is still known as Violet Valéry.