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.
