Evan Rogister returns to the Metropolitan Opera this month to conduct Terrence Blanchard’s Fire Shut Up In My Bones. Based on American journalist Charles M. Blow’s memoir, this powerful opera explores themes of identity, resilience, and the African American experience in rural Louisiana.
The libretto for Fire Shut Up in My Bones marks Kasi Lemmons (b. 1961) ‘s first foray into opera. With “Fire,” Lemmons becomes the first Black librettist of a work performed at the Met in its history. Additionally, the opera made history during the 2021–22 season as the first opera by a Black composer to be performed by the Met.
Rogister takes the helm of the Met Orchestra, leading a superstar cast that includes Ryan Speedo Green starring as Charles, Latonia Moore as Charles’s mother, Billie, and Brittany Renee as Charles’s love interest, Greta, as well as the embodiments of Loneliness and Destiny.
Performances dates include April 8, 12, 17, 20, 24, 27, & May 2. A free live audio stream of the first performance will be on Monday, April 8 at 6:55pm ET, and a Saturday matinee broadcast will be on April 27 at 1pm ET. Find your station here.
Photo credit: © Chris Gonz