Dido & Aeneas; an Opera by Henry Purcell. Performed by Members of the Purcell Operatic Society, May 1900 and March 1901.
London: Purcell Operatic Society/Priory Press, Clerkenwell, 1900. First Edition. Small 4to, original dark gray printed wrappers. Slight wear to edges of oversized wrappers; an excellent copy. Item #207722
Scarce original program from this Purcell Operatic Society production, which was a major breakthrough for Craig and marked a substantial innovation in modern theater. For this production, Craig introduced a new method of lighting the stage from above, with no footlights and no lights in the side-wings. Instead, Craig used a "bridge" suspended above the stage to fill the dramatic space with light, and two projectors in the rear of the theater to cast light directly onto the actors over the heads of the seated audience. This program, entirely designed and engraved by Craig, features a foreword by J.A. Fuller Maitland, a synopsis, reproductions of Craig's designs -- including five original wood engravings, as well as additional texts on The Masque of Love from the opera Dioclesian by Henry Purcell. Fletcher & Rood J5a.
Price: $850.00