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Opera ‘Dido And Aeneas’ Starts Tomorrow At W&L
The Washington and Lee University Department of Music and the Department of Theater, Dance and Film Studies present the 2024 Bentley Opera “Dido and Aeneas,” by Henry Purcell, this Thursday and Friday, March 21 and 22, at 8 p.m. in Wilson Concert Hall.
Tickets are required. Visit https://my.wlu.edu/ lenfest-center/dido-and-aeneas to purchase tickets.
Based on Virgil’s “Aeneid,” the opera tells a tragic love story between Dido, Queen of Carthage, and the Trojan War hero Aeneas through a variety of musical styles.
The plot follows Aeneas as he seeks refuge in Carthage with his comrades after the fall of Troy. Dido welcomes them and falls in love with Aeneas. However, the Sorcerer and witches plot to sabotage their happiness. Through deception, they convince Aeneas to leave Dido to fulfill his destiny in Italy. Despite Dido’s pleas and protests, Aeneas departs.
Directed and conducted by Scott Williamson, the production of “Dido and Aeneas” is site-specific. Instead of a traditional set and period costumes, this year’s Bentley Opera makes the concert hall itself a part of the production.
Williamson said, “‘Dido and Aeneas’ is an ideal fit for both our students and our space. Staff and faculty from Theater, Art and the IQ Center designed and created busts and columns for the production. Scattered across the stage, the set pieces suggest both the building of Carthage and its subsequent destruction.
“‘Dido and Aeneas’ is a great first opera for anyone new to the genre,” said Williamson. “Its appeal is immediate, and it requires no background research or cultural homework to be enjoyed!”
With a parental rating of G, the choruses of sorcerers and witches are suitable for audience members of all ages.
