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Earliest surviving English opera to play at the Fugard
The Cape Consort is to return to the Fugard Studio in October with Part Four of its Monteverdi Project to present the earliest surviving English opera: John Blow's Venus and Adonis. Repeat performances take place on three consecutive Sunday evenings, 3, 12 and 19 October at 6pm in the Sigrid Rausing Studio of the Fugard Theatre.
Venus and Adonis, the only dramatic work by John Blow (1648/9 to 1708), was composed for the court of Charles II around 1683. The part of Venus was sung by Mary (Moll) Davies, the king's former mistress, while their illegitimate daughter, Lady Mary Tudor, sang the part of Cupid. This work served as the model for Purcell's Dido and Aeneas.
Venus and Adonis, based on the classical myth, tells the story of Venus' affair with Adonis and his death due to a mortal wound inflicted by an enormous boar. In an idealised pastoral setting, these vivid characters deal with desire, manipulation, pride and loss.
This performance of Venus and Adonis will include six voices, a seven-piece ensemble of period instruments, a narrator and text projections.
Patrons are invited to meet the musicians on the theatre's rooftop deck after the show, where drinks will be for sale. Tickets may be booked through Computicket, 0861 915 8000 or via the Fugard Theatre box office on +27 (0)21 461 4554.Friends of the Fugard receive discounts when booking through the theatre's box office.
