Dido and Aeneas

Dido, Queen of Carthage, is in love with warrior Æneas, who has sought refuge at her court following the burning of Troy at the end of the Trojan War. When Æneas arrives and expresses his love for Dido, the queen gives in and admits that she loves him as well. The wicked Sorceress, however, has plans to destroy their burgeoning love, sending a minion disguised as Mercury to convince Æneas to abandon the queen. Torn between love and duty, he announces to Dido that he must leave her. Desolate at his departure, she prepares for her own death. Dido and Aeneas is Purcell's best loved and most frequently performed work. Choreographer and stage director Wayne McGregor breathes new life into the poignant story, with heavily atmospheric lighting, shrewd design choices, and modern ballet flourishes.