Presented by Opera Queensland (OQ) in association with Circa, is Dido and Aeneas, the timeless tale of love and tragedy, composed by Henry Purcell in 1689. Renowned for his poignant narrative, a timeless masterpiece, a pair of lovers and an evil sorceress created with elaborate layers of storytelling in voice and action.
Very quickly three-act Dido and Aeneas comes to life on stage with superb wit and creativity. One of the attractions of OQ is their ability to take on a contemporary twist and rebuild their interpretation of Dido and Aeneas. Like many operas, this is a tale of love, tragedy and a doomed affair. All are given a new life by the internationally renowned, Brisbane-based Circa, whose sublime acrobatics are the perfect complement to Henry Purcell’s profoundly beautiful music.
This thrilling operatic showcase harmonises live instruments, chorus, vocals, and gravity-defying circus feats, where every movement encapsulates the libretto’s emotion.
Traditional opera enthusiasts will revel in its artistic brilliance, while those seeking innovation will be captivated by its grandeur, optimal duration, and a narrative that tugs at the heartstrings. This extraordinary performance promises a mesmerising fusion of art forms, an experience like no other, where the beauty of voice and the poetry of motion unite on a singular stage. A seamless blend of classic opera with breathtaking acrobatics.
The Story
Inspired by Virgil’s epic poem, The Aeneid, Dido and Aeneas tells the story of the ill-fated romance between Dido, Queen of Carthage, and Aeneas, the shipwrecked Trojan prince, whose love is thwarted by a malevolent sorceress.
Cast
Dido (Anna Dowsley), Aeneas (Sebastian Maclaine), Belinda (Katie Stenzel), Sailor, (Lachlann Lawton), Ensemble of Opera Queensland and Circa artists, Queensland Symphony Orchestra
Ensemble: Elizabeth McBride, Katie Rutledge, Katie Stenzel, Emily Turner, Adele King, Jessica Low, Shikara Ringdahl, Hayley Sugars, Andrew Lange, Connor Willmore, Lachlann Lawton, Jon Maskell, Jia-Peng Yeung, Sean Andrews, Ryan Carlson, Matthew Broadbent
Circa Artists: Jessica Connell, Luke Pearce, Joshua Strachan, Adam Strom, Darby Sullivan, Chelsea Hall, Rowan Allinson, Charlotte Cayer, Rhiannon Cave-Walker, Jon Bonaventura
Sung in English Dido and Aeneas runs for approximately 70 minutes with no interval
Further productions of Dido and Aeneas QPAC Playhouse:
Tuesday 16 July 6.30 PM
Thursday 18 July 7.30 PM
Saturday 20 July 7.30 PM
Tuesday 23 July 6.30 PM
Thursday 25 July 7.30 PM
Saturday 27 July 1.30 PM
Complimentary pre-performance talks are free and commence 1 hour before each performance on 18, 20,20 and 27 July.
https://www.qtix.com.au/whats-on/2024/opera-queensland-dido-and-aeneas
Dido and Aeneas is supported by the Frazer Family Foundation
Ruth Greening holds a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Psychology & Philosophy. Before retirement, she worked for over 40 years in the corporate world in Melbourne and Brisbane and progressed into senior management positions and project roles for both private industry and government.
In her 70’s, she continues in casual roles as a freelance writer, model, and actor participating in small movies, TV commercials and User Generated Content.
As a grandmother, she is known as Nanny Babe to her grandchildren and writes from a Baby Boomer perspective on her blog www.nannybabe.com. An avid crafter Ruth actively participates in sewing, crocheting and knitting.
While she continues to pursue her artistic passions, Ruth is dedicated to maintaining her health and fitness as she ages by attending the gym, dancing and walking and thrives on mentoring others.
Connect with Ruth or our moniker Nanny Babe; nannybabegengp.blogspot.com.au/
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