SYNOPSIS

A GARDEN PARTY
Hippolyta and Theseus host a lavish celebration of their marriage. Entering the garden from the wedding tent, the guests decide to entertain each other with a play where they might learn of love in all its variety. Props in hand, they slip into a land that lies between reality and fantasy.

IN A MAGICAL WOOD THE PLAY BEGINS
The ancient forest glimmers with woodland creatures—fairies, too, but mortal eyes can’t see them. A band of zany performers comes and goes; Oberon, the King of the Fairies, quarrels with Titania, his Queen, over possession of a Changeling Boy; and two mortal couples dash through the woods—Hermia and Lysander, exuberantly in love; and Helena, pursuing Demetrius who yearns only for Hermia. The mischievous Puck and his Peaseblossom tease the actors lightheartedly.

DEEPER IN THE GOSSAMER WOOD
While the mortal couples carry on their quest for love, Oberon and Titania continue their quarrel. King Oberon commands that Puck marshal Cupid’s magic to aid Helena’s plight, and to trick Titania into falling in love with a donkey. But Puck’s efforts misfire and chaos ensues. Sensing that such discord is upsetting the balance of the world, Oberon orders Puck and Cupid to set things right.

BY THE LIGHT OF THE MOON
Oberon and Titania reconcile with newfound understanding, reaching a deeper ideal of love and restoring harmony to the world.

BACK TO MIDSUMMER
NIGHT'S DREAM MAIN PAGE