THE TURN OF THE SCREW, BRITTEN'S FINEST CHAMBER OPERA

This opera is regarded as Britten's finest stage work. In 1954 he wrote it in four months. Based on a novel by Henry James, the story is one of good and evil. Ideas about the supernatural are explored along with exorcism and procession. Set in Essex in an English Country house, The Turn of the Screw explores Britten's interest in the theme of corruption of innocence.
Britten's music in this production is distinctive and uncomplicated. The "pure" music contrasts with the opera's story which evokes ghosts and other-worldly things.

An English composer, pianist and conductor, Britten is an important figure in 20th century music. The opera opens with music based on a twelve-note "screw" theme. The music developing from this is tightly woven and beautifully constructed.

HISTORY

The opera is set in Bly, Essex, England, in the mid-19th-Century. The mood is dramatic with themes of mystery, magic and relationships.
A governess's two charges see and communicate with ghosts. Afraid for the safety of them she writes to the children's guardian, something she promised not to do. This leads to sad, thought provoking and scary events.

Prologue

At the beginning of The Turn of the Screw a singer tells the story of a governess he once knew who cared for two children in an English Country House. The Guardian was too busy to care for them. When hired she was asked to never write to him about the children, inquire about the history of the House, and never to leave the children.

Act 1

The Governess arrives at Bly House and meets the housekeeper, and the children, Miles and Flora.
A letter arrives from Miles's school expelling the boy. The Governess believes that the children are too innocent to have done anything wrong. The letter is ignored.
Then the governess sees the ghost of Quint, the children's guardian's dead valet and realises the the ghost of Miss Jessel, the previous governess wants to claim Flora.

Act 2

The ghosts Miss Jessel and Quint appear. They had an affair when aliveh and there is an argument about hurt and blame. Accusations abound about the delay in possessing Flora and Miles. The Governess cries about the evil she senses in the house, writes to her employer and decides to leave Bly House.
She tells Miles about the letter and Quint tells Miles to steal it.
Flora is found with the ghost of Miss Jessel. Later Quint appears and Miles dies in the governesses arms.

MAIN ROLES

Prologue, the narrator. Tenor
The Governess, Soprano
Miles, Treble
Flora, Soprano
Mrs. Grose, the housekeeper. Soprano
Miss Jessel, the former governess. Soprano
Peter Quint, the Guardian's former valet, Tenor

The Turn of the Screw has a dramatic power which creates huge impact on an audience.