Lyric Opera Surveys Parents for 'Blue' Coming in June

What are the greatest wishes, biggest needs and proudest moments of parents across Chicagoland?

Lyric Opera of Chicago is asking parents to take a short survey on those questions in order to spotlight the nuanced experiences of parents across the city. “Thoughts on Parenthood” is an interactive arts project in conjunction with Lyric’s upcoming Midwest premiere of “Blue,” assisted by activist/photographer Tonika Johnson. (See also "Lightfoot appoints" on this page.)

The survey can be found on the Lyric website (https://www. lyricopera.org/lyric-unlimited/community-programs/publicprograms/thoughts-on-parenthood/). “Parent” is defined as anyone who has the legal or social responsibility for children. No personal information will be disclosed publicly without permission, although anonymous summary information may be shared with Lyric’s community partners on the project, which include Center on Halsted, Erikson Institute, Inner Voice, the Chicago Urban League and more.

The deadline for participation is February 28. In May, 15 to 20 respondents will be profiled on Lyric’s website with interview and portrait by Johnson. An Englewood native, she originated the Folded Map Project, which graphically depicts Chicago segregation through the use of “map twins” who live at the same street number on opposite (North and South) Sides of the city.

“Blue” centers on an African American couple in Harlem who must seek help from their church and their community when their deepest fears for their firstborn, a son, come true. It is inspired by Ta-Nehisi Coates’ “Between the World and Me,” the 2016 Pulitzer Prize winner, and James Baldwin’s “The Fire Next Time.” Composed by Tony Award winner Jeanine Tesori, its libretto is by Tazewell Thompson, who will also direct the Lyric production June 19-28 at the Yard at Chicago Shakespeare on Navy Pier.

–Suzanne Hanney, from online and email sources