Dido & Aeneas: Remixed
by NMT Automaticstheatre, dance
An epic tale that fuses dance and theatre with a soundtrack that combines Purcell's original music with a new beat driven soundscape.
about the production
The show is adapted from Virgil's The Aeneid and is performed by a diverse cast of four professional actors and a chorus made up of local young people and community members. It is an epic tale of tragic love, a people torn from their land by war, searching for a new home whilst struggling against a climate of prejudice and fear. Set within a period of industrial change, it is an imaginative retelling of an ancient story, which finds relevance in the cultural intolerance and xenophobia of the 21st century.
about the artist
NMT Automatics updates classical texts giving them relevance to a modern audience, fusing dance and drama and taking music as a primary source of inspiration. We create work that is artistically dynamic and benefits the communities within which we work. Stylistically, the company uses corporeal, poetic and surrealist imagery through physical theatre and text-based storytelling. Dido & Aeneas: Remixed had a two week Research & Development period which included active engagement and participation with Redbridge community youth, which culminated in a public and industry showcase at The Deptford Lounge on the 12th of September 2015.
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stage dimensions
width: 6 metres
height: 4 metres
depth: 7 metres
We tour with one sound/light operator. Our set is modular and can fit into a range of traditional and non-traditional playing spaces. We require a basic sound system to allow us to play pre-recorded tracks.
In ACE terms, this show appeals primarily to ‘urban arts eclectics’, ‘traditional culture vultures’, ‘fun, fashion and friends’, and ‘mature explorers’1, with a main target age-group of 16-35yrs and secondary target of 45-75yrs. In mixing a highly visual style with a highly classical source, the production appeals both to younger audiences with its immediacy, accessible text, dance and music elements, and to an older audience of theatregoers aware of the original text or Purcell’s opera. By integrating performers of various ages from the local community, the piece also has an immediate appeal to friends and family of those participants.
"The integration of contemporary and classical, in the choreography and the music alike, will ensure a wide appeal for this production, and the classical roots will appeal to upper level educational groups. We would certainly be interested in using the production to support our own education and outreach activities, with the workshops and community participation forming a strong part of the project’s appeal."
"Hugely impressed, music works really well, very well done, great concept 4 actors working with 4 kids. Giving them an opportunity to showcase with you is a great idea. I really enjoyed it!"
"A timely reinterpretation of this text. The show is great for GCSE and A level drama students as it seamlessly and meaningfully combines text music and movement, together with great skill, commitment and focus displayed by the performers."
The integration of community performers is delivered through a series of workshops, included in the venue booking deal. Three workshops for your in-house youth group / community pool / partnered school will lead to the inclusion of the participants in the final production. We are also able to offer free post-show Q & A events and a free resources pack for education groups.
£600 per performance vs 70/30 split
Fee includes all community workshops
Reductions available for multiple performance bookings
