ACT I
In accordance with the law, Theseus requires Demetrius to marry
Hermia, as her father, Egeus, wishes. But Hermia is in love with
Lysander, while Demetrius is the unwilling object of Helena’s love. To
avoid Theseus’s edict, Hermia and Lysander flee the town, pursued by
Demetrius and Helena. Meanwhile, some tradesmen are preparing a
play to celebrate the expected wedding and arrange to meet for
rehearsals in a nearby wood. Titania, the fairy queen, comes into the
wood to hide a changeling boy from her jealous husband, Oberon. The
lovers and the tradesmen blunder into the wood and are tormented by
Titania’s attendants.
ACT II
Oberon and Titania confront each other and, refusing to forfeit the
changeling boy, Titania leaves Oberon, who plots with Puck to revenge
himself on her by administering a love potion, which will make her fall
in love with the first thing she sees on waking. Oberon overhears a
quarrel between the lovers, and instructs Puck to use the potion on
them as well.
The Masque of Sleep
Titania is prepared for sleep.
Allegorical figures of Night, Mystery, Secrecy and Sleep appear to her.
ACT III
The tradesmen are rehearsing their play in the wood. Puck transforms
Bottom into an ass, frightening off the other workmen. Titania wakes
and becomes besotted with Bottom.
The Masque of Seduction
Titania entertains Bottom with a masque which presents the
delights of sensual love, with images from pastoral life.
ACT IV
Oberon brings the rightful pairs of lovers back together and releases
Titania from the spell.
The Masque of the New Day
The fairy monarchs’ reconcilliation is celebrated with a masque of
renewal. Phoebus, the Sun, appears and presents the seasons.
ACT V
Theseus discovers the lovers in the wood and, finding that Demetrius
no longer loves Hermia, overrules Egeus’s demands and arranges a
wedding for the lovers. The tradesmen present their play in celebration
of the marriage.
The Masque of Marriage
The lovers are instructed in the delights and perils of matrimony by
Juno. They are presented with images of hope, loss and innocence.
Hymen eventually appears to officiate.
The Finale