NEW OPERA COMPANY: YOUTHFUL, ACCESSIBLE, AND EDGY PRESENTATION OF DIDO AND AENEAS
(Washington, D.C.) - Opera Alterna is a new professional opera company founded last year as a means to bring provocative and intimate opera to new audiences. The initial production of its first season is the tragedy of Dido, Queen of Carthage, in Henry Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas. The production is being generously hosted by the Catholic University of America in the Callan Theatre located at 3801 Harewood Road, N.E., Washington, DC 20017 in the Hartke Theatre building. Dido and Aeneas runs about 60 minutes and plays March 28 at 8:00pm, and March 29 at 2:00pm and 8:00pm. Tickets for the production are free to the public due to the support of the University
Opera Alterna’s production of Dido and Aeneas focuses on the internal struggle between duty and desire. When the line between the two is crossed, consequences ensue, especially among those with power and influence. This is the central conflict that Dido faces in her quest for fulfillment which ultimately leads to her death.
Director Jay D. Brock conveys these tragic and enduring themes in Dido and Aeneas through a unique coplanar setting that is designed to draw the audience into the very heart of the conflict. The production emphasizes contrasting versions of public and private personalities in a relevant and sometimes humorous manner.
