Credit-Eric Woolsey
June 15, 2020
By David Salazar
On June 15, 2019, Terence Blanchard’s opera “Fire Shut Up in My
Bones” premiered in full at Opera Theatre of Saint Louis. Described by
the composer as “opera in jazz,” the work will be the first opera by a
Black composer ever staged at the Metropolitan Opera.
The libretto by Kasi Lemmons is based on the memoir of New York Times journalist Charles Blow.
American jazz composer-trumpeter Blanchard, winner of six Grammy
awards, infuses the opera with extended musical monologues, gospel
choruses, and unpredictable melodies.
At its premiere, the opera was directed by James Robinson and
conducted by William Long. The main role of Charles was created for two
voices—a younger character sung by a treble as well as the college-aged
Charles, in the original version performed by bass-baritone Davóne
Tines. Julia Bullock, Karen Slack, Markel Reed, and Chaz’men
Williams-Ali rounded out the supporting cast.
Short Plot Summary
“Fire Shut Up in My Bones” tackles ideas of sexual identity and
masculinity as centered around a defining moment in Charles’ life.
At the age of seven, Charles was molested by an older cousin. The
opera begins with its protagonist intending to kill his cousin in an act
of revenge. Throughout the opera, Charles is visited by female spirits.
The work is a reflection on Charles’ upbringing in Louisiana as well as
the relationships with his family.
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