Anna Netrebko slammed for blackface Aida in Verona
Fellow soprano Angel Blue cancels her debut performance at the Arena in protest
The Arena di Verona has come under fire from the press and performers alike after Anna Netrebko sang the title role in its production of Verdi’s Aida wearing blackface make-up. Among those voicing their dissatisfaction at the Russian soprano’s appearance was African American soprano Angel Blue, who promptly cancelled her upcoming performances as Violetta in Verdi’s La traviata at the Italian venue.
Writing on Facebook after seeing pictures of Netrebko on Instagram, Blue described the use of blackface make-up as ‘a deeply misguided practice based on archaic theatrical traditions which have no place in modern society. It is offensive, humiliating
