What Happens at the End of Dido & Aeneas?

Henry Purcell's opera Dido & Aeneas, completed in 1689, was the subject of a memorable and breathtaking performance at the Staatsoper Berlin in 2005. In Dido & Aeneas Sasha Waltz opens up new horizons in music theatre, creating a fusion of dance, singing and music the choreographic opera. The (extended, revised) libretto, the (reconstructed) music, vocal parts, dance, the stage set featuring a rousing underwater ballet combine to form a sublime total choreography and parallel action involving dancers, singers and musicians. In this choreographic opera, Sasha Waltz demonstrates not only her familiarity with Emile Jaques-Dalcroze and Pina Bausch, but also the confidence she has in her own style. Sensational!

Peter Schönhofer's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Aurore Ugolin (Dido)'s journey. In Dido & Aeneas Sasha Waltz opens up new horizons in music theatre, creating a fusion of dance, singing and music the choreographic opera.

How Does Aurore Ugolin (Dido)'s Story End?

• Aurore Ugolin: Aurore Ugolin's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
• Reuben Willcox (Aeneas): Reuben Willcox's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
• Deborah York (Belinda): Deborah York's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

What Does the Ending of Dido & Aeneas Mean?

The ending of Dido & Aeneas brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Aurore Ugolin's story may not satisfy all audiences.