Washington National Opera: Blue

In Harlem, a couple celebrates the birth of their firstborn—a boy, Black and beautiful. As the mother worries for her son’s future in today's America, the father wrestles with his role as a police officer, a "Black man in blue." When the unimaginable happens years later and a white officer kills the son, their deepest fears will come true.

Following its postponement in our 2020–2021 season, WNO presents the long-awaited D.C. premiere of Blue, the "Best New Opera of 2020" (The Music Critics Association of North America). Tony Award–winning composer Jeanine Tesori and NAACP Theatre Award–winning librettist Tazewell Thompson's new opera is inspired by contemporary events and Black literature, including Ta-Nehisi Coates's Between the World and Me and James Baldwin's The Fire Next Time. Jeanine's signature genre-blending style captures the grief of a community, the bonds of a family, and the vulnerabilities of protecting a child. By giving voice to the joy and pain of families that are often unheard, Blue places timely issues at the forefront of modern opera and invites audiences to the emotional epicenter of their impact.

Come early for a free Pre-Performance Talk: Delve deeper as you take a peek inside the composer’s mind, behind the scenes of planning a production, and into the history and social context of the opera. Free with a Blue ticket, starting 1 hour before the performance and lasting 25–30 minutes:

Mar 11: Francesca Zambello and Tazewell Thompson

Mar. 13: Francesca Zambello

Mar. 17, 19, 22, & 25: Jonathan Rush

Stay after for a Post-Performance Artist Q&A: Don't miss your opportunity to engage directly with our artists and share your thoughts on the experience you just had! Here's your chance to ask questions and get the inside scoop on the production from members of the cast and creative team. Free with a Blue ticket, beginning immediately after the performance:

Mar. 13, 22, & 25: Timothy O’Leary and to-be-announced moderator

Mar. 17 & 19: Timothy O’Leary and Nkechi Taifa

Complimentary Opening Night Champagne on March 11: Following the opening performance of Blue on March 11, join us for a complimentary champagne toast to celebrate the cast and creative team!

About Washington National Opera

https://www.kennedy-center.org/wno/home/