Behind the scenes at the opera Blue | Dutch National Opera

In Harlem, a black couple anticipates the birth of its first-born son, with both hope and anxiety. The mother worries about her son’s future as she watches him become a young man and enter the world of activism. Meanwhile, the father tries to open his son’s eyes to the realities of 21st century America, whilst simultaneously struggling with his own identity as a police officer; a ‘Black man in blue’. When the parents’ deepest fears come true, they have to find a way to cope with reality. Kenneth Kellogg (The Father) and Darius Gillard (The Son) share their views on portraying these roles and what they mean to them personally, while rehearsing for Blue in the studio. Libretto Tazewell Thompson Musical direction Kwamé Ryan Stage direction Tazewell Thompson Set design Donald Eastman Costume design Jessica Jahn Associate costume designer April Hickman Lighting design Robert Wierzel, Eric Norbury The Father Kenneth Kellogg The Mother Aundi Marie Moore The Son Darius Gillard The Reverend Will Liverman Girlfriends / Congregants Vuvu Mpofu Thembinkosi Magagula Rehanna Thelwell Policemen / Congregants Thando Mjandana Charles Williamson Martin Mkhize Residentie Orkest The Hague Co-production of The Glimmerglass Festival, Washington National Opera and Lyric Opera of Chicago SUBSCRIBE to our channel for new video's every week: http://bit.ly/YoutubeNOB Curious for more OPERA? Then you might also like: Beautiful aria's and chorus pieces: http://bit.ly/operaCLIPS Go behind the scenes to our artistic ateliers: http://bit.ly/operaBTS Looking for something extra special? https://bit.ly/operaspecials Want more? Follow us on: Facebook (ballet): http://www.facebook.com/HetNationaleBallet/ Facebook (opera): https://www.facebook.com/DeNationaleOpera/ Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/nationaleoperaballet/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nationaleoperaballet Website: http://www.operaballet.nl/ Dutch National Opera & Ballet (Amsterdam) creates, produces and presents both traditional and innovative opera and ballet productions of the highest quality. #Blue #Opera #Jeaninetesori

Added 13 May 2026