Dido and Aeneas Preview

UAH Theatre will perform the opera “Dido and Aeneas” from Dec. 11-13. The opera is co-directed by Karen Young and David Harwell and conducted by Erin Colwitz. Composed by English composer Henry Purcell, the baroque opera will be the second opera performed on the UAH campus.

The three act opera, written in the 17th century, is based on a story from the fourth book of Virgil’s “Aeneid.” The opera focuses on the love story between Dido, queen of Carthage, and Aeneas, a Trojan refugee. When Aeneas and his crew find themselves shipwrecked in Carthage, Aeneas and Dido fall into a whirlwind romance.
Evil witches plot the ruin of Carthage by luring Aeneas back to Troy, away from his beloved. Dido is devastated when she learns that Aeneas must leave Rome. Overcome with grief, she anticipates death.

According to co-director Karen Young, the opera has a 20th-century twist that will make the opera more appealing to all ages.

“This version is a modern presentation with lots of visual effects to make it visually stimulating,” Young said. The production will include original baroque instruments and will include traditional as well as modern costumes.

“Dido and Aeneas” will show Dec. 11 and 12 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 13 at 3:00 p.m. Admission is $5 for students and $10 for the general public. For ticket information call 824-6436.

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