The story , inspired by the fourth book of Virgil 's Aeneid , narrates the ill-fated love between the Queen of Carthage and the Trojan hero. Dido , initially reluctant to give in to her feelings, is reassured by her sister Belinda and gives in to her passion for Aeneas. But the happiness of the two lovers is threatened by a sorceress and her witches who plot her ruin. During a hunting trip, the forces of evil unleash a storm, and a spirit, sent in the guise of Mercury, orders Aeneas to leave Carthage to fulfill his mission in Italy. Despite the prince's pain and uncertainty, Dido, wounded by the mere thought of his betrayal, drives him away and chooses to die. The opera ends with one of the most famous pieces in the history of music, Dido's lament " When I am laid in earth ," the prayer of a woman who asks to be remembered, but for her tragic fate to be forgotten.

Dido and Aeneas

Teatro Massimo di Palermo

This play updates the myth of Apollo and Daphne to reflect on gender violence. Apollo is an arrogant and powerful head of state who, blinded by his ego, views Daphne as a reward due to him, ignoring her rejection. Cupid, here elderly and disillusioned, is unable to prevent Apollo's obsession. The story focuses on possessive love: the god pursues Daphne to the point of causing her death, unable to tolerate denial, while his pain is merely a public display. The play reflects on the relevance of Ovid's tragic epilogue, and denounces the inability to accept rejection and the destruction that follows.

Amélie Hois

Events

Upcoming events

15 - 23 Sep, 2027

The Magic Flute · Teatro Massimo

Past events

20 - 24 Feb, 2026

Dido and Aeneas · Teatro Massimo

13 - 18 Jan, 2026

Apollo and Daphne · Teatro Massimo

Future and recently performed repertoire

First Witch in Dido and Aeneas by Purcell

Teatro Massimo

Papagena in The Magic Flute by Mozart

Teatro Massimo

Dafne in Apollo e Dafne by Handel

Teatro Massimo

About

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