The story of Aida teaches us that while love is not always an easy choice and often requires sacrifice,
it is forever - transcending time and place.
As the students began working on their character analysis, we discussed all the elements of the story we were beginning to tell. What does Aida want? Does she succeed? Who are the winners and losers? From the ancient world of Nubia and Egypt, the story of Aida has survived as a legend. Most of what we understand through archeological research is that around 1100 B.C. Egypt had captured the Nubians and enslaved them. Some never returned home. As we discussed the history in light of my visit to the Nubian exhibition at Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago, their characters began to emerge out of legend and into real people with real feelings. Aida wants to be normal, so she can explore without restraint. Radames wants to listen more to his heart than his head. Amneris thinks she has to be something she's not, but soon realizes that life has something else in store for her. Nehebka wants to make a difference for her people, the very people Zoser wants to dominate and crush. Mereb just wants to go home.
Journey with us from the present to the past and discover what we discoverd, that love is always the answer in spite of the costs.
Director, Kimberly Beasley
Save the Date Alert