THE POETIC OPERA OF A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM

The magical opera of A Midsummer Night's Dream is set to music by the British composer Benjamin Britten with a libretto from Peter Pears. Based on the famous William Shakespeare play, the work is a highly individual piece of compelling sounds and textures. First performed in England in 1960 as part of the Aldeburgh Festival, the opera has since become one of the most frequently performed post World War 2 operas. Making use of a subtleness of tone and atmospheric setting, the opera is a favourite amongst lovers of unique performances.

HISTORY

Set around a mythical forest outside classical Athens, the story of A Midsummer Night's Dream is based in the world of ancient folklore and legend. The elements of fantasy and myth contain several key psychological themes that Britten made full use of. Unusually for Shakespeare, the original play was more concerned with the individual personalities of the characters, rather than the plot. Britten drew this out wonderfully, and the opera is a testament to modern staging and classical concerns.

Act 1

The opera begins with the King and Queen of the Fairies arguing over a boy who is in Tytania's protection. Oberon instructs his servant Puck to use his magic ointment on her causing her to fall in love with the first person she sees. Meanwhile, The two lovers Lysander and Hermia have run away to the enchanted forest outside of Athens. Soon they become lost and lie down to sleep. Puck finds them and mistakenly rubs the juice in Lysander's eyes. He is woken by Helena, who he immediately declares his love for. Hermia awakes alone.

Act 2

During the night Puck turns the workman Bottom into an ass. He runs around shouting, waking the enchanted Tytania who immediately falls in love with him. Oberon is delighted, believing the queen to be in love with the ass version of Demetrius. Upon realising his mistake, the king attempts to resolve the situation. Puck leads the two real lovers Lysander and Hermia away and administers an antidote.

Act 3

Just before sunrise, Oberon sets Tytania free from her enchantment. The sun rays of the new day rouse all of the lovers from their various spells and they happily express their devotion for each other. In Athens, the Athenian prince decides on a group marriage ceremony including his and the Amazon Queen Hippolyta's wedding vows. The fairy kind and queen and their jovial servant Puck have the last say on the matter, blessing the couples and their future contentment.

MAIN ROLES

Oberon, King of the Fairies, counter-tenor
Tytania, Queen of the Fairies, soprano
Puck, the King's servant, speaking role
Lysander, young lover of Hermia, baritone
Hermia, young lover of Lysander, mezzo-soprano
Hippolyta, the Amazon Queen, contralto