MARIA EWING (DIDO)

Q: Some people believe that Dido and Aeneas is Britain’s finest opera. Is that something you would agree with?
A: Yes, it is without question one of Britain's finest and most unique operas.

Q: Dido and Aeneas is less than an hour in duration, yet so much drama happens during that time, in fact so much happens to Dido herself. Does that present a challenge in terms of how you perform the role?
A: Dido's strength as a Queen and vulnerability as a woman deeply in love is apparent from the moment she makes her entrance. I found that challenge compelling.

Q: Are there any special qualities that you think are necessary to portray her?
A: Yes. Passion. 

Q: Reviews have described your performance as Dido as magnetic and distinctive. Did you aim to create a Dido that was different to previous portrayals?
A: Every artist has their own interpretation. I never saw the opera performed therefore I can make no comparisons. In any event, I don't believe in performing a role merely to be different. You must trust your own instincts.

Q: The director, Peter Maniura, wanted to make this look like ‘normal television’ as much as possible, as opposed to the usual filmed productions, in order to make the conventions of Baroque opera more accessible to audiences. Did this affect your approach in any way?
A: The production was so beautiful and the direction thanks to Peter so wonderful, I never doubted that it wouldn't work for television.

Q: In the close-up shots, you use your eyes to great dramatic effect to express Dido’s range of emotions. Did you feel that you had to perform very differently for the camera to the way you would on the stage?
A: The difference is that the camera is very revealing to every detail of expression and all you need to do is trust that.

Q: The film was shot entirely at Hampton Court House, and looks spectacular. What was the house like?
A: It was made to look its glorious self. There was even a haunting on the last night of filming. At around 2:00 in the morning the temperature on the set suddenly dropped and a lantern which was fixed to the ceiling began to sway. We were all rather amazed. After an hour or so, the temperature went back to normal and the lantern stopped swinging. Perhaps this was a sign from "those who live there" as to how much they enjoyed seeing their house brought.

Q: Was the filming process very gruelling?
A: Not at all.

Q: Was it an enjoyable experience
A: It was a magical experience. One I shall always remember. Everyone was so wonderful--Rebecca Evans, a beautiful singer and lovely person was bliss to work with, as was the magnificent Karl Daymond.

Q: The final lament ‘When I am laid in earth’ is one of the finest arias in all opera. What was it like to sing it?
A: It was a moment overwhelmingly emotional for me.

Q: Would you say that filming Dido and Aeneas was a different experience to other work you have done?
A: I shall never forget it and am extremely grateful to have been given the opportunity to perform this great work.

Q: Are you proud of the film?
A: How could one not be?

NVC Arts DVD of DIDO AND AENEAS (51442-8822-2) is available from www.amazon.co.uk  5 November, 2008