Stage director Dennis Whitehead Darling passed away on May 17 from complication due to a scooter accident in NYC.

Whitehead Darling studied Theatre Arts at Texas State University and Directing at the University of Memphis. He held fellowships at Opera Memphis and English National Opera (ENO).

Much of his work focused on bringing new insight on the issues that face “African Americans, people of color or any marginalized group of people.” He directs pieces such as ‘ Joseph Bologne’s “The Anonymous Lover” at Opera Philadelphia, Red Mountain Theatre’s “The Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess,” and “La bohème” at Opera Columbus, where he served as an advisor for the development of the company’s Crane Directing Fellowship.

Whitehead Darling directed several world premieres including North Carolina Opera’s production of Paul Moravec and Mark Campbell’s “Sanctuary Road,” “Marian’s Song” by Damien Sneed and Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton at Houston Grand Opera, Stella Sung and Mark Campbell’s “The Secret River” at Opera Orlando, and UrbanArias’ production of “Why I Live at the Po” by Stephen Eddins and Michael O’Brien.

Whitehead Darling is survived by his husband Bryan.