Inspired by The Aeneid, Virgil’s epic poem, Dido and Aeneas, Henry Purcell’s 1689 masterpiece, sung in English, finds new life in this ground-breaking production that fuses Baroque opera with the daring artistry of breathtaking acrobatics. A timeless tale of love and tragedy, 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, Aeneas’ dedication to destiny and Dido’s earthshaking inner passions.

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 emotional heights. This production offers something for everyone as traditional opera enthusiasts will revel in its artistic brilliance, while those who are not so versed in the genre will find themselves captivated by its grandeur, spectacle, heartrending narrative – and the accessibility of its 70-minute run time and English-language singing. 

Dido and Aeneas promises to be a mesmerising fusion of art forms, where the beauty of voice and the poetry of motion unite on stage to create an experience like no other.

Dido and Aneas will be showing at QPAC Playhouse Theatre from July 11–27, 2024. Tickets are on sale now, head to the Opera Queensland website to grab yours. 

This article was written in partnership with our friends at Opera Queensland.