The Fairy Queen

Act I
Theseus, Duke of Athens, makes sure the laws are enforced and the children submit to paternal authority. Thus, young Hermia must marry Demetrius as demanded by her father Egeus. Yet she is in love with Lysander and both decide to run away. But their plan stirs up jealousy in unfortunate Helena. Did not Demetrius abandon her after he seduced her? To win back his favour, she tells him that his fiancée has eloped with Lysander. In the woods near Athens, some craftsmen meet to perform the tragedy of Pyramus and Thisbe for the duke. There, Titania the Fairy Queen hides her adoptive child from her jealous husband Oberon. By his order, the elves drive the intruders away by tormenting them. A drunken poet who has come to the woods for inspiration falls into their hands.

Act II
At night a conflict breaks out between Oberon and Titania, reproaching one another’s extramarital affairs and arguing about who is to have the orphan. Oberon decides to chastise his wife as well as Athenian Demetrius, whose disloyalty he condemns. So his sprite Puck will use the irresistible juice from a love flower. During the Masque of Sleep, Night, Mystery, Secrecy and Sleep deaden Titania’s senses and vigilance. Puck casts a spell on her so that she succumbs to the first arrival but he mixes up the Athenian lovers.

Act III
On awaking, Lysander becomes enamoured of Helena and forsakes Hermia. The artisans’ dramatic rehearsal sinks into a ludicrous caricature as Puck intervenes. He chooses Bottom, the most conceited among these dabblers, and turns his head into a donkey’s, making his companions flee, but the Fairy Queen falls in love with him as she opens her eyes. Titania endeavours to hold back Bottom by offering him the Masque of Seduction by way of entertainment.

Act IV
Oberon has sent Puck to redress his mistake as the four lovers are extremely confused. Before dawn Oberon takes hold of the child and releases Titania from the spell. The lovers awake from their dream and the two pairs are properly matched in the end. The King and Queen of the fairies seal their reconciliation with a great party, the Masque of the New Day, during which Phoebus presents them with the Seasons.

Act V
Content with the new moods of the two Athenian couples, Duke Theseus requires their nuptials. Eventually, the artisans can present their burlesque performance. But the celebration ends with greater dignity in the presence of Titania and Oberon with the Masque of Marriage during which Juno herself instructs the newly-weds in the delights and dangers of their new condition.