THE STORY of LOVESICK
The Story
of
LOVESICK
Antiochus und Stratonica

Boston Early Music Festival

Paul O'Dette & Stephen Stubbs
Musical Directors

Gilbert Blin
Stage Director & Set Designer

Lucy Graham
Choreographer

Anna Watkins
Costume Designer

Lenore Doxsee
Lighting Designer

Abbie H. Katz
Associate Producer

Lovesick Home


Story

Set in ancient Persia, the Plutarchian tale of Lovesick recounts the tragic story of the Syrian prince Antiochus, who falls hopelessly in love with his beautiful young stepmother Stratonica. When Antiochus, son of King Seleucus, meets his father’s new wife Stratonica, he is immediately struck by her exquisite beauty. Believing his desires for Stratonica can never be realized, Antiochus goes mad and takes to his deathbed. While examining the prince, the court physician discovers that his heart races whenever Stratonica enters the room and notifies the distraught king of the true nature of Antiochus’ illness: he is lovesick. In order to save his son and heir, King Seleucus relinquishes his throne and pronounces Stratonica and Antiochus man and wife, while the assembled crowd of royalty and deities rejoices in the healing power of love.
Historical Background

Composed by Christoph Graupner (1683–1760) on a German and Italian libretto by Barthold Feind (1678–1721)," Antiochus und Stratonica", or Lovesick, as the work is alternately titled (L’amore ammalato oder Die kränkende Liebe) was first performed at the Hamburg’s Theater-am-Gänsemarkt in 1708. Filled with heart-wrenching drama, hilarious comic interludes, dazzling sets and costumes, spirited dances, astonishing special effects, and magnificent music, Lovesick continues the Hamburg theatre’s rich tradition of German cosmopolitan opera with French and Italian influence while maintaining BEMF’s commitment to rediscovering great Baroque opera masterpieces and presenting them in entertaining period style.

Learn more about Christoph Graupner in Goldberg Magazine.
 
Telecharge: 1-800/233-3123 
MajesTix Groups:  617/824-8000
Specific Needs:  617/824-8000
TTY:  1-888-889-8587