By: Edward Zeng

American soprano Angel Blue announced that she would not be performing in Verdi’s “La Traviata” in Italy, because another opera called “Aida” used blackface. The Russian soprano Anna Netrebko, who will be participating in the opera, shared photos of herself wearing dark makeup to portray an African princess.

This controversy is worsening Anna Netrebko’s reputation, after her long-standing support of Putin. She has already had several canceled performances due to her failure to renounce her support for Putin, according to The Washington Post. However, she, along with the rest of the opera’s crew, still supports the use of blackface in the opera performance.

A spokesperson for Arena di Verona told OperaWire that the performance “[follows] what was made in 1913 and many decades ago when Zeffirelli staged his first ‘Aida.’” He continued, “We are following what they decided to do in that era. Our season is like a historical museum of the theatrical taste during the last century.”

Many people who work in opera have applauded Blue for her decision, though. Angel Blue is a rising star in the opera world. In 2019, she was the first black woman to play the character Violetta in Verdi’s “La Traviata” at Italy’s Teatro alla Scala. She has also won the Grammy Award for Best Opera Recording for her performance of Porgy and Bess in the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards.