Jaw-dropping acrobatics and sublime music will combine when Opera Australia presents Opera Queensland’s production of Henry Purcell’s love story for the ages, Dido & Aeneas, for its Sydney premiere in the Joan Sutherland Theatre this March.
Directed by Yaron Lifschitz, Artistic Director of the widely acclaimed acrobatic troupe Circa, this spectacular production reprises the winning formula of his highly praised Orpheus & Eurydice, merging Circa’s exhilarating physicality and Opera Australia’s stunning musicianship in a contemporary operatic retelling of the ancient Greek myth.
It is widely acknowledged that English Baroque composer Henry Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, penned in the late 17th century, gave the world one of the most poignant scores ever written and laid the foundation for every opera that came after.
Artistic Director of Pinchgut Opera, Erin Helyard, will share the podium with British Maestro Chad Kelly to conduct the acclaimed OA Orchestra through the poignant Baroque score, including the famous aria When I am laid in earth.
Two Australian stars return from their European bases to lead the all-Australian cast. Mezzo soprano Anna Dowsley will make a welcome return to the Joan Sutherland Theatre stage to reprise the role of the doomed Queen of Carthage, Dido, while tenor Nicholas Jones will play Aeneas. They will be joined by OA principals Jane Ede, Sian Sharp and Kanen Breen, along with the OA Chorus adding to the onstage action.
Award-winning contemporary Australian circus troupe Circa will return to the Joan Sutherland Stage after wowing audiences with their stunning acrobatics in last year’s debut collaboration with
OA, Orpheus & Eurydice.
All the onstage action is brought into sharp focus by Lifschitz’s sleek, dark set and costume designer Libby McDonnell’s strong silhouettes, creating a stark environment for Dido & Aeneas to come to life in this operatic rendition of the romantic Trojan war tragedy.
Conductors: Erin Helyard, Chad Kelly | Director & Stage Designer: Yaron Lifschitz | Featuring: Anna Dowsley, Nicholas Jones, Jane Ede, Sian Sharp, Kanen Breen, Keara Donohoe, Gregory Brown, Opera Australia Chorus, Opera Australia Orchestra, Circa Ensemble | Costume Designer: Libby McDonnell | Lighting Designer: Matthew Marshall
Dido & Aeneas
Joan Sutherland Theatre – Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney
Season: 13 – 29 March 2025
Information and Bookings: www.opera.org.au
Image: Anna Dowsley in Dido & Aeneas, 2024 – photo by David Kelly