by Stephanie Manning

The contemporary relevance of doomed love, betrayal, and political maneuvering  continues to endear Henry Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas to modern audiences. But the recent staging of the 17th-century opera by Baldwin Wallace Opera Theater made a more direct connection to today’s political climate.

Set “within the dystopian framework of A Handmaid’s Tale,” the all-new production, directed by Scott Skiba, drew parallels between Purcell’s tale and the setting of Margaret Atwood’s 1985 book. It’s an ambitious premise, and one that ultimately wobbled rather than sticking its landing. Regardless, the one-hour work featured lovely performances across the board from the student cast.

The Helen Theatre at Playhouse Square provided an intimate, black box venue, giving the small audience up-close sightlines to the action. The cast of the 3:00 pm show on October 11 set a high bar for singing and acting quality, anchored by Christol Stewart as Dido, who absolutely shone with her dignified voice and bearing. Conductor Jason Aquila led a string quartet from the harpsichord. [Read more…]