A Midsummer Night's Dream

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Synopsis

PROLOGUE

Hippolyta's Room

It is the evening before the wedding of Hippolyta and Theseus, Duke of Athens. Last minute preparations are being made, supervised by Philostrat, Master of the Revels at Theseus' court. Hippolyta's friends, Helena and Hermia, are helping put finishing touches to her bridal gown. The Court Treasurer presents the bridal jewels to Hippolyta. He is accompanied by the officer, Demetrius, Helena's former fiancé, who is now intent on winning Hermia's attentions – unsuccessfully. Helena still loves Demetrius. The gardener Lysander arrives bringing Hippolyta's wedding flowers. He loves Hermia, and his love is returned. He secretly gives her a letter asking her to meet him in the wood under an olive tree. Helena finds the letter and shows it to Demetrius. A group of rustics, lead by the weaver Bottom present Hippolyta with their text for a play "Pyramus and Thisbe" which they wish to perform for the marriage festivities. Theseus arrives to visit Hippolyta. Although he brings her a rose, Hippolyta is aware of his flirting with the ladies of the court. Left alone, Hippolyta finds and reads Lysander's love letter to Hermia. Pensive, she falls asleep with Theseus’ rose in her hand. She dreams...

ACT I

Night - In the Wood
The Realm of the Fairies

Titania, Queen of the Fairies, argues with Oberon, King of the Elves. In his anger Oberon gives Puck, a flower which has magical powers. If shaken over the eyes of someone asleep, that person will fall in love with the first person seen when he awakens. Oberon's orders Puck to use the love-flower on Titania. Lysander and Hermia meet in the wood. Demetrius looks for Hermia, followed by Helena. All are observed by Oberon.

Taking pity on Helena, Oberon orders Puck to use the love-flower on Demetrius, so that he will love return her love.

Lysander and Hermia are lost in the wood, and lie down to sleep. Mistaking him for Demetrius, Puck shakes the love-flower over Lysander. Helena accidentally awakens Lysander and he at once falls passionately in love with her. Confused by his attentions, she flees from him. Hermia awakens and searches for Lysander.

Bottom and his companions are looking for a spot in the woods to rehearse their play. The place found, roles are distributed, and Bottom leads the rehearsal. They are observed by Puck who transforms Bottom's head into that of an ass. Freightened at his appearance, the other rustics run away.

Titania and her followers fall asleep and Puck now uses the love-flower on her. She is accidentally awakened by Bottom, and is suddenly consumed with desire for him. Observing Demetrius, whose affections are still directed towards Hermia, Oberon realizes that Puck has made a mistake. He orders Puck to use the flower on the sleeping Demetrius. Helena, pursued by Lysander, stumbles over and awakens Demetrius. He also falls madly in love with her.
Confusion reigns. Oberon commands Puck to bring all the relationship in order. The elf arranges the sleeping lovers in their proper combinations and once again uses the love-flower on them all

ACT II

Dawn in the Woods

The lovers awaken and are united – Hermia with Lysander – Helena with Demetrius.
The rustics find Bottom.

Hippolyta's Room

After quietly observing the sleeping Hippolyta – dreaming upon her couch – Theseus gently awakens her. A love develops between them. Both pairs of lovers enter and beg Theseus' permission to wed. The Duke of Athens blesses their unions.

A Festive Room in Theseus' Ducal Palace

The Wedding ceremonies begin. The rustics perform their piece, "Pyramus and Thisbe". After the wedding guests have left, Oberon and Titania are again united in love.


THREE WORLDS – THREE STYLES

John Neumeier's Selection of Music for "A Midsummer Night's Dream"

The "Three Worlds" of Shakespeare's play are the aristocratic world of Duke Theseus and his court; the fairy world of Oberon, Titania an Puck; and the world of the mechanicals Bottom and his friends.
The music chosen by John Neumeier is in "Three Styles", and distinguishes the "Three Worlds". Thus, Mendelssohn for the aristocrats, Ligeti for the mysterious fairy world, and barrel organ music for the mechanicals.