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Going behind the scenes of an important Philly premiere celebrating Langston Hughes
The BSR Podcast: Talking with Davóne Tines about The Black Clown at Opera Philadelphia
Darnelle Radford
Bass-baritone Davóne Tines is known for his voice as well as his groundbreaking opera creations, including his 2020 music video VIGIL in honor of Breonna Taylor. The Black Clown, co-created by Tines, Michael Schachter, and Zack Winokur (who directs this production) and composed by Schachter, is based on a poem by Langston Hughes. Opera Philadelphia bills it as a fusion of gospel, opera, jazz, and spirituals for "a searing night of theatrical brilliance" that "embodies the evolving, divided soul of Black America and animates a Black man's resilience against a legacy of oppression." Tines makes his Opera Philadelphia debut onstage with an ensemble of 12.
In this wide-ranging conversation, Darnelle asks the singer/creator about his roots as a performer, what his path was to studying sociology at Harvard, and how The Black Clown was developed, including why Tines knew it was right for the show to have a white director. Get your tickets.
Listen on Apple Podcasts or watch the conversation below on YouTube.
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