About the Show
The devastating heartache of Purcell’s beautiful 1689 masterpiece fills Government House Ballroom at an exclusive evening of dinner and performance. Dido, the Queen of Carthage, and Aeneas, the Trojan Prince, are torn apart when witches hatch an evil plan to destroy them. Known for its exquisitely tender aria Dido’s Lament, this moving opera is filled with joy and sorrow set to pierce your heart and will transport you to another time and place.
DINNER IN THE BALLROOM
An evening set around a long-table-styled dinner inspired by Dido and Aeneas. Book with a group of friends and enjoy dinner and the performance while you raise a glass to this early music gem!
SUNG IN ENGLISH
"Touches the far corners of the heart"
Composer Henry Purcell Dido Ashlyn Tymms UWA CON-CANTORUM UWA CHAMBER ORCHESTRA PRODUCTION Head of Wardrobe Nora Stelter * Supported by the Roberts Emerging Artist Program |
ENTREE
Individual tasting plate including:
Biancomangiare (a dainty chicken tart dusted with sugar and cinnamon).
Artichokes with fresh garden mint and lemon juice. vegan, gluten free, nut free
Asparagus tossed with a mustard dressing and garnished with pancetta. gluten free, nut free
Wine: Voyager Estate Sparkling Chenin Blanc
MAIN COURSE
Shoulder of lamb studded with garlic and fresh rosemary, served on a bed of braised fennel and plumped raisins accompanied by fava beans and broccoli. gluten free, nut free
Wine: Voyager Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Girt by Sea
DESSERT
Coffee-infused ricotta mousse served in an espresso cup. vegetarian, gluten free, nut free
Wine: Stella Bella Pink Muscat
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS WILL BE PROCESSED FOLLOWING BOOKING
ACT I
Dido, the Queen of Carthage, is full of sorrow. Her confidante Belinda thinks that the source of Dido’s struggles is the Trojan prince Aeneas, for whom Dido cannot confess her feelings, believing that her love for the prince could make her a weak Queen. Encouraged by Belinda and her courtiers, Dido acknowledges her emotions, and upon Aeneas’ marriage proposal at court, she accepts.
ACT II
A Sorceress and her witches conspire the downfall of Dido and Carthage. In order to break Dido’s heart, they send an elf, disguised as Mercury, to remind Aeneas of his duty to depart. As the spell is prepared, the Sorceress and her enchantresses summon a storm.
During the storm, Aeneas is stopped by the elf disguised as Mercury, warning him that he must leave Carthage to create a new Troy on Latin soil. Believing the request comes from a God, Aeneas accepts to depart and to reluctantly break Dido’s heart.
ACT III
Aeneas’ crew prepares their departure at the quayside, singing a song. Meanwhile, the Sorceress observes the fulfillment of her plan, already plotting the destruction of Aeneas “on the ocean.”
At the palace, Dido and Belinda are shocked at Aeneas’ imminent departure. When he arrives to tell Dido, she is full of tears and prompts her lover to reconsider his course. However, even when Aeneas declares he will defy the Gods and not leave Carthage, Dido rejects him for even contemplating leaving her.
As she forces him to leave, she proclaims “Death must come when he is gone.” Dido sings a lament “When I am laid in Earth,” ordering the “cupids to scatter roses on her tomb, soft and gentle as her heart.”
Event and ticketing details
Accessibility
Dates & Times
DURATION | 2 hours and 30 minutes, including dinner |
9 May 2024 | Thursday - 7pm (Opening Night) |
10 May 2024 | Friday - 7pm |
11 May 2024 | Saturday - 7pm |
12 May 2024 | Sunday - 5pm |
Tickets
Dido & Aeneas | $300.00 - Ticket price includes dinner and performance. Seating allocated. |
Location
Government House Ballroom
13 St. Georges Terrace, Perth, Western Australia 6000 Australia
Get directions