Opera „Acis and Galatea“ in Dubrovnik
Fri, Aug 22, 2008
After 30 years, opera in own production has returned to the repertory of Dubrovnik Summer Festival. Namely, after a long pause, Acis and Galatea by the German baroque composer George Friedrich Händel will be directed by one of the leading conductors of today, the British artist Philip Pickett. The Croatian director Dora Ruždjak Podolski, in theatre circles noted for her abundant creative opus of operas and dramatic works will help him in staging.
The legend on unhappy love of Acis and Galatea has been known as far back as Ovid’s Metamorphoses and its first translations and, of course, adaptations were made during Renaissance.
The present version of the pastoral consists of one act and it tells the story of Galatea, a sea-nymph who is in love with Acid, the shepherd who was killed by the monstrous giant Polyphemus who also fell in love with Galatea and who was jealous of Acid. Polyphemus crushed Acid under a rock, however, Galatea turned him into a stream, making him immortal.
Dubrovnik Summer Festival offers you the opportunity to see this baroque pastoral on August 23 and 24, at Lovrjenac fort. It will be conducted by Pickett, the specialist for medieval and renaissance music, widely known for his work with New London Consort which was founded by him, and as director of Early Music at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Croatian Baroque Ensemble, local expert in this area, will also participate in the performance.
by: Nike Labas