The transmigration of peoples, integration and social inclusion through dialogue between the different cultures of the Mediterranean are key elements of the dance show entitled “Dido and Aeneas” by Oplas / Centro Regionale della DanzaUmbria. Staged at the Cité de la Culture in Tunis, the show was made possible thanks to the cooperation between the Italian Cultural Institute and the Tunisian Ministry of Cultural Affairs.
Reinterpreting the libretto of Purcell’s original work, a group of young people sitting in a circle tell each other their personal stories (and each of them represents one of the main characters of the work: Dido, Aeneas, Belinda, Mercury, the witches, the companions of Aeneas). The act of narration sets them free, allows them to go beyond the forces of destiny to reach self-determination.
Dido (or Elissa) is the first queen of Carthage who, being in love with the Trojan hero Aeneas, kills herself for his sudden departure. The ballet by Oplas is built on Nahum Tate’s libretto for Purcell’s famous opera. Set in the present time, “Dido and Aeneas” brings to life a drama that unites the two shores of the same sea.
Oplas dancers and the ensembles of the Opera Ballet of Tunis and the Nouveau Ballet Tunisien share the same stage in a project of cohesion and experimentation that represents for Tunisia a first and true approach to artistic contamination. The Oplas / Regional Center of Dance Umbria is based in Umbertide, near the cultural center bearing the same name that is dedicated entirely to dance. Established in 1993, the company is supported by the Umbria Region and has received numerous international awards. The Tunis show is included in the programme of the 20th edition of the Theatre Days of Carthage.
