OPERA SAN MIGUEL - DIDO and AENEAS" HENRY PURCELL.

Culture OPERA SAN MIGUEL - DIDO and AENEAS"HENRY PURCELL.

Print | Send to a friend

Contributor / 2011-02-20 11:32:48

Casa De Cultura, San Miguel De Salinas, February 18th, 2011. Apart from session on each other's laps, there was really small way to place any latecomers to Friday's performance of Purcell's Greek tragedy "Dido & Aeneas".

Front of house staff, resplendent as always, in black tie, conjured up chairs from every corner and corner, and as with other productions from "Opera San Miguel", the "House Full" house was dusted off, and located at the door.

As the story unfolds, Dido, dramatically played by Paulina Rossie, falls head over heels in bed with the Prince of Troy, played by Rodney Porter. Dido is certain that gods are against her love for this handsome Prince, and testament not let Aeneas ask for her pass in marriage. The gods, have no concerns about the relationship, but the resident Sorceress, played by Katy Pargeter, has other ideas!

Witches, spookily played by Nancy Muir and Anne MacFadyen, call on the services of a spirit, played by Mary Lewis, to hold on the pretext of Mercury (Bill Lewis), and to tell Aeneas, to return immediately to Italy, and let no more thoughts to take Dido as his wife.

Not contented with breaking up this romance, more hocus-pocus is to be from these witches. They put a death while on Dido, and set about destroying Carthage in flames. Aeneas tells Dido that he is to provide for Troy, but then thinks perhaps that he will risk the anger of the gods, and stick with her, but Dido orders him to do his way backwards to Troy.

As Dido sings a beautiful aria, the spell takes effect, and her death soon follows. "When I am set in earth, may my wrongs create no difficulty in my breast. Remember me, but ah! forget my fate".

Interestingly, over 20 of the performers fly into Spain, to have office in "The Workshops" and to step the boards, under the sleepless eye of Musical Director Tom Pargeter.

This full house on Friday enjoyed a most professional performance, one I am sure, had Henry Purcell been watching, would make more than approved. We look ahead to the future production from "Opera San Miguel" Rob Barnes.