UNF Opera Ensemble Dido & Aeneas
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Our first production was Dido & Aeneas by Henry Purcell. Below are the details. Dido & Aeneas by Henry Purcell With members of the UNF String Ensemble & UNF Chamber Singers Dr. Krzysztof Biernacki—Director UNF Andrew Robinson Theater |
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Character |
Cast A |
Cast B |
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Dido, Queen of Carthage |
Angelique Perretta |
Amanda Finch |
Aeneas, a Trojan prince |
Daniel Crews |
Nathanael Edwards |
Belinda, confidante to Dido |
Jennifer Jeffries |
Melody Fallon |
Second Woman |
Melody Fallon |
Jennifer Jeffries |
Sorceress |
Amanda Finch |
Stefani Gundacker |
First Witch |
Stefani Gundacker |
Shyla Norful |
Second Witch |
Anna Hong |
Angelique Perretta |
Spirit |
Emily Sharrett |
Erin Cosgrove |
Sailor |
Joey Fitzpatrick |
Luke Hopper |
Synopsis
ACT I
Dido’s Palace at Carthage
Prince Aeneas sails for Italy after the Trojan wars and is blown off course by a storm. He lands at Carthage, where Queen Dido begins to fall in love with her guest. Dido is reluctant to yield completely, but she is urged to pursue her desire by her courtiers and her confidante, Belinda. The act ends with rejoicing as Dido professes her love and Aeneas decides to stay in Carthage.
ACT II
The Witches’ Cave
A Sorcerer plots with a coven of witches to destroy Carthage by dashing Dido’s amorous hopes. Their plan is to conjure a storm and force Aeneas to set sail for Rome, where an elf, disguised as Mercury, will remind Aeneas of his duties.
The Grove
Meanwhile, Dido and Aeneas are being entertained by the courtiers. The witches’ storm arises and the lovers are separated; Aeneas is confronted by the false messenger God Mercury who commands him to leave Carthage.
ACT III
The Port
Aeneas’ sailors prepare to set sail. The witches, witnessing this scene, gloat over their victory and confidently predict the queen’s demise.
The Palace
Dido confronts Aeneas, silence he excuses and orders him away. When he leaves, Dido is inconsolable, and after her lament (“When I am laid in earth”), she kills herself. Mourning cupids lament her death, and scatter roses on her tomb.