The Delightful Surprise of a Modern Opera

I don't like modern operas. I always joke with my husband “Can't we just go and watch the same operas every year?!” But this last weekend we went to see Fire Shut Up In My Bones and, despite my inclination not to like it, I absolutely loved the performance.

Modern Take on Opera

The opera is based on Charles Blow’s memoir about growing up in Louisiana among poverty, violence, and racism. It’s a moving story, and the actors were excellent. I was particularly impressed with the music which combined traditional classical sounds with jazz and gospel. The music was contagious, and impossible to not sweep the listener away. 

Despite dealing with very difficult subjects like child sexual abuse, the opera felt soft because of the music. There are some beautiful moments with the child who plays Charles in his early years, as well as, the powerful voices of the main singers. It is a classical story of overcoming your family environment - but the authors added two abstract characters (destiny and loneliness) that really helped to go deeper in how the protagonist feels and his struggles.

I googled Charles Blow after the performance and my guess is that we probably don't agree on most political and policy issues!

But I was deeply moved by his story and thought about how art can help bridge political differences and let us see others in a new light. If you have a chance, go see Fire Shut Up in My Bones and tell me what you think.

Fire Shut Up My Bones runs April 8 - May 2 at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City.