Venus And Adonis

Venus And Adonis, the first English opera, is a musical enchantment. More than just a pastoral, this little-known gem of an opera comments on the sexual intrigue of the 1680's court of Charles II. Cupid strikes desire into the hearts of mankind while Venus controls the fulfilment of erotic love.

These themes were particulary topical for the time and freely discussed, so much so that the role of Venus was originally played by Charles II's ex-mistress and Cupid by their illegitimate daughter.

This production relishes the opera's classical allegory, particularly the Adonis myth with its embodiment of the cyclical nature of the seasons. Ad Parnassum brings out the playful, erotic and pathetic nature of the opera, reflecting our own relationships to youth, love, desire and decay.