Dido and Aeneas, the timeless tale of love and tragedy, takes on a contemporary twist as Opera Queensland collaborates with Circa, fusing Baroque opera with the daring artistry of acrobatics. Henry Purcell’s 1689 masterpiece, renowned for its poignant narrative, finds new life in this ground-breaking production.
This extraordinary performance transcends genres, seamlessly blending the elegance of classical opera with the breathtaking physicality of acrobatics. Inspired by Virgil’s epic, the opera tells the story of the ill-fated romance between Dido, Queen of Carthage, and Aeneas, the shipwrecked Trojan prince, thwarted by the malevolent Sorceress and Dido’s inner turmoil.
Prepare to be enthralled by a spectacle that 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.
Dido and Aeneas 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.
Sung in English
ABOUT
World premiere Brisbane, Australia – July, 2024
Duration 70 minutes
Acknowledgements
CREATIVE TEAM
Conductor Benjamin Bayl
Director Yaron Lifschitz
Design Libby McDonnell
CAST
Dido Anna Dowsley
Aeneas Sebastian Maclaine
Ensemble of Opera Queensland and Circa artists
Queensland Symphony Orchestra
Circa acknowledges the assistance of the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body and the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.
Dido and Aeneas is supported by the Frazer Family Foundation
Tour Dates
| Date | City | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 11th - 27th July 2024 | Brisbane, Queensland | The Playhouse, QPAC |