• theatre
  • features
  • faqs
  • contact
  • theatre
  • features
  • faqs
  • contact
  Art Murmurs - Wellington Reviews

Reviews

Dido and Aeneas: Recomposed

3/4/2017

Comments

 

Catherine Hart

Picture
Unstuck Opera’s production of Dido and Aeneas: Recomposed is one of the most unique performances to come through BATS’ doors this year. It is, put simply, unlike any performance I’ve ever been to.

As the show begins we are introduced to Dido, performed by Amy Jansen and her two extremely comic attendants, Tasmyn Matchett and Barbara Patterson. They are reminiscent of the two ugly sisters from Cinderella, as they playfully interact with the audience. As the show continues, we sink into an operatic scene that we are all familiar with; as Dido confesses her love for Aeneas and is encouraged by her confidants. It is only when the attendants, followed individually by the musicians, comically carrying their instruments, exit the stage that we realise this show is going to mess with our expectations, and in doing so ignite our curiosity.

The tone throughout the show is one of facetious seriousness. We are constantly reminded of the past, through the ancient story, traditional opera, and accompanying orchestra. However, at the same time we are listening to Kiwi accents, playful adlibbing and a promenade performance that brings up the question of what can be defined as a stage. We are led throughout BATS by a Sorceress, performed by Alex Taylor (who is also the Musical Director of the piece), as each act exists in a new and exciting space.

The costumes are brilliant. They, like the tone, are reminiscent of the past with modern twists. The wigs worn by Dido and her attendants are a great example of this, resembling something Marie Antoinette would have worn, but on closer examination are made of contemporary woolen bandages and plastic flowers. The Converse shoes paired with historical undergarments are another twist on our expectations, much like the show itself.

The performers are all undoubtedly and unquestionably talented. They each display strong characters, confidence in their voices, and a physicality that is engaging and hilarious. Each performer is committed to their actions and confident in their role, and they work together to create a strong ensemble. Their performances, assisted by the constant changing scene, keeps my full attention throughout.

The final song performed by Jansen is breathtaking. The emotions and the reality of this crazed and debauched world all come to an emotional climax in this moment, and Dido’s pain is portrayed with an unwavering clarity. We remember that despite the fun and silliness we have encountered, in essence this is a love story, containing deeply aware characters and themes. We are transfixed as she expresses the pain of her decided fate.

The only scene that could perhaps benefit from some re-working is during Act 2: The Witches Cove. As with the rest of the show, the performance and style is strong and engaging. However, there are sexual references which not only treat the female as an objectified vessel, but there is also a hint at it being non-consensual as she looks unimpressed and unhappy. This scene is intended to be humourous, but since witches are typically sexually powerful females it is a shame that the paradigm has not been twisted, like so many of our other expectations during the show.

Dido Aeneas: Recomposed is an accessible, modern opera that excites and engages the audience. It is an old story, with themes that remain relevant, and modern tones to entertain us wholly. The performance is original and thoroughly enjoyable.

Dido and Aeneas: Recomposed runs until the 13th April, to book tickets click here.

​
Comments

    Local Honest Reviews

    At Art Murmurs, our aim is to provide honest and constructive art reviews to the Wellington community.

    Archives

    March 2023
    February 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    September 2021
    July 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    June 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015

    Categories

    All
    All Age Appropriate
    Art
    BATS
    Beauty Standards
    Black Comedy
    Body Positive
    Circa
    Circus
    Comedy
    Comedy Festival 2018
    Comedy Festival 2019
    Comedy Gala 2022
    Community Theatre
    Dance
    Devised
    Documentary
    Drag
    Drama
    Emerging Artist
    Exhibition
    Experimental
    Female Artists
    Feminism
    Feminist
    Festival
    For Kids
    Fringe
    Fun
    Gallery
    Gryphon Theatre
    Hannah Playhouse
    Heart + Music
    History
    Improv
    Interactive
    International
    Interview
    Ivy
    Lighting
    Local
    Mental Health
    Monologue
    Music
    Musical
    New Writing
    New Zealand
    NZ Comedy
    NZ Fringe
    NZIF
    On Tour
    Performance Poetry
    Photography
    Photospace Gallery
    Physical Theatre
    Political
    Politics
    Premiere
    Pyramid Club
    Queer
    Race
    Roxy LIVE
    Science
    Scruffy Bunny Improv Theatre
    Sexual Violence
    Shakespeare
    Site Specific
    Site-specific
    Sketch
    Solo Show
    Song
    Spoken Word
    Stagecraft
    Storytelling
    Tahi Festival
    Te Auaha
    Theatre
    Thought Provoking
    Thought-provoking
    Thriller
    Toi Poneke Gallery
    Verbatim
    Victoria University
    Violence
    Virtual Theatre
    Weekly
    Wellington
    Wellington Footlights
    Wellington Repertory