Theseus, Duke of Athens, and Hippolyta, Queen of the Amazon, discuss their upcoming wedding.
My fair Hippolyta, our wedding day is in four days. But time is making me wait like a widow would make his stepson wait for his inheritance.
Four days will quickly dissolve into night and night we’ll quickly dream away the nights. And it will soon be our wedding day.
Go, philostrate, tell the young people of Athens you prepare for celebration.
Hippolyta, i wooed you with violence and warfare. But our wedding will be full of festivities and happiness.
Good Egeus! What’s the news with you?
Long live Theseus, our Duke.
I have a problem with my daughter. I want her to marry Demetrius, but Lysander has cast a magic spell on her.
He has written poems and sung fake songs about fake love to my innocent daughter. And now she has become harsh and stubborn. Your gracious, if she refuses to marry Demetrius, then by the Athenian law, I will have her killed.
Hermia, your father is like god to you. He created you. He has the right to let you be or take away the life he gave to you. Demetrius is a good man. So is Lysander.
He may be. But with your father’s consent, Demetrius is worthier.
I wish my father could look at Lysander through my eyes.
You will either die. Or give up the company of men forever. So, Hermia, think about your youth and feelings and decide if you can spend the rest of your life as a nun.
You must prepare to die if you choose to disobey your father, or marry Demetrius, or be a nun and spend the rest of your life worshipping goddess Diana.
My lord, I am from as good a family as Demetrius. I love Hermia more than him. And she loves me! Why should I not marry her?
Instead your eyes should look at Demetrius through his judgement.
Forgive me, your grace, if I’m being too bold. But please tell me what is the worst that could happen to me if I refuse Demetrius.
I’d rather live, grow old and die as a nun in a cloister, than to marry someone I don’t love.
Take time and think. You have till the next new moon. That is my wedding day.
Give in, Hermia. An Lysander, give up your imagination and accept that Hermia is mine.
Besides, Demetrius has won the heart of Helena.
You have her father’s love. Now let me have hers.
Yes, I love Demetrius! And I will give him all that is mine, including my daughter!
And that darling girl loves him devoutly. She adores this cunning, deceitful man.
Theseus leaves with Hippolyta, Egeus and Demetrius. I do remember hearing something of this and I was going to ask Demetrius. But I must have forgotten. Come, Demetrius and Egeus, I want to speak with you privately.
How Or else age come in the terrible to be too old way. to marry.
Oh! Lovely Helena. Where are you going?
My love, why have your rose petal cheeks gone pale?
Sometimes our loved ones are the obstacles.
That’s the spirit. Listen, I have a widowed aunt, who’s very rich. She lives far from Athens and thinks of me as her son. We will get married there.
Enter Helena...
Lysander and Hermia are left alone.
Don’t call me lovely. Demetrius calls you lovely.
What hell to have your partner chosen for you!
Because they’re only being watered by my tears.
And if that isn’t the problem, you have war, death or sickness cutting your dreams short.
Leave your house tomorrow night and meet me in the woods, where I once met you and Helena.
Your eyes are stars and your voice more musical than a lark’s. If sickness is contagious, beauty should be too.
Oh dear! History says that loves path is never smooth. Social standing comes in the way… Oh I wish that was our problem.
If that is so, then it is destiny. We have to be patient, since these obstacles are as common as wishes and dreams.
I will, Lysander. I swear by the strongest cupid’s bow and everything else that binds lovers together. I promise I will be there
If the world were mine, I’d give it all up except Demetrius to be you.
But I frown at him and he still loves me.
If only my smiles could learn from your frowns how to make him love me.
Helena, we will confide in you. Tomorrow when he moonshine falls on the waters, we will sneak out of Athens.
I curse him and yet he loves me. The more I hate him, the more he loves me.
It’s not my fault Helena. It’s his.
And in the woods, where you and I shared secrets, I will meet him. Hope you winover Demetrius.
Some are so lucky. People think I’m as beautiful as her. But the cupid is always painted blind. Love is areckless child. It always makes bad choices and always lies. Look how Demetrius lied to me.
Meanwhile, a group of actors has gathered in a cottage. I’m going to call out the What is the names of all the actors who play about? will perform for the Duke and the duchess on their wedding night.
It is your beauty’s fault. If only I had that faul.
Well, then you’ll be happy to know that he won’t see me again. Lysander and I are running away.
Lysander, we must stay away from each other till tomorrow. Goodbye. I hope Demetrius will love you as I love Lysander.
I will tell Demetrius of Hermia’s plans. Then he can go after her tomorrow night. At least I can have his gratitude, if not love.
The play is called “The Most Lamentable Comedy and most cruel death of Pyramus and Thisbe. Oh! That’s a very good play. Do tell us who’s acting who.
Nick Bottom, the weaver, will play Pyramus.
Have you written my lines? Give it to me now. I’ll take time to learnmy lines.
In that case, alright
Sometime later in the palace woods. well hello there, fairy! Where are you going?
This role will call for some tears. I’ll make the audience cry with me.
Francis Flute, the bellows mender will play Thisbe.
You can improvise.You just have to roar.
No! Don’t make me a woman. I’m growing a beard.
I’ll play the lion. I will roar so fiercely that the Duke will say “Make him roar again!”
Alright. Now everybody must learn their lines by tomorrow. We will meet in the palace woods, a mile outside the town.
Over hills, over valleys, Through bush and brier, Over park over pale, Through flood, through fire
Robin Starveling will play Thisbe’s mother. Tom Snout, you’ll be Pyramus’ father. And I’ll play Thisbe’s father. Snug, the carpenter, will play a lion.
But you must play Pyramus. Only you can. He is a kind and gentle man.
There we’ll be away from prying eyes. And no one will come to know what we have planned. In the mean time, I’ll make the proplist.
I wander everywhere Faster than the moonlight I drop dews here and there, And on cowslips they alight. See those spots on the flower? They are gifts from a fairy. It gives sweet smell to them. But now I must hurry! The fairy queen and her elves will be here soon.
The king is having a party tonight. Make sure the queen doesn’t come in sight. For King Oberon is really mad, That the lovely boy the queen had Stolen from an Indian king this little changeling.
You’re Robin Goodfellow, aren’t you? The devilish spirit of the night.
What are you doing here, Titania?
You frighten people, and mislead travellers. They call you sweet Puck.
But jealous Oberon wants this child, And wanders around in the forest wild, But she refuses to let go of the boy. Now they never meet or their company enjoy.
You’re absolutely right. I’m the wanderer of the night. I’m Oberon’s jester. I get horses all flustered. When I dress up as a foal.
You! Let’s go fairies. I’ve sworn never to speak to him.
How long do you plan to stay here?
Give me the boy and I’ll go with you. May be till after Theseus’s wedding day. If you behave, you can come with us. If not, you leave me alone, and I’ll stay away from you.
I hide in a soup bowl, When someone drinks up And everyone laughs up Step aside, fairy. And here’s my queen, Titania. Here’s Oberon.
Wait a minute, you headstrong woman! Am I not your lord and husband?
Not for all you kingdom! Let’s go, fairies!
Then I must be your lady and wife. But you left me and the Fairyland.
Well, go away then! But you won’t leave this forest until you pay for this insult! Puck come here!
Do you remember when I was sitting on a cliff? I heard the sweet voice of a mermaid who was sitting on a dolphin’s back.
Her voice was so harmonious that it calmed the seas.
That same night, I saw a cupid, fully armed, flying from the cold moon, to the Earth.
I remember. Bring me this flower. If the juice of this flower is put on the eyelids of a sleeping person, then that person will fall in love with the first person they see when the wake up.
He aimed a shot with his love arrow at a young maiden. But it didn’t hit her. Instead, I noticed, it pierced a milk-white flower. And the white flower turned purple–wounded by love.
I could go around the world in forty minutes and find it.
Once I have this juice, I will watch Titania, When she falls asleep, I’ll drop the juice on her eyelids. The next thing she sees, be it a wolf, or a bull or even a monkey she will fall madly in love with it.
I don’t love you. So don’t follow me. Where are Lysander and Hermia? You said they were meeting here.
Here I am, heartbroken without my Hermia. Go away from here.
I can cure her with another plant, ofcourse. But before I do. I will make her give me that boy.
You attract me like a magnet. Let go of your power on me and I will go away.
Someone’s coming this way. I will become invisible and overhear their conversation.
Do I not tell you in the plainest words that I do not and cannot love you?
And that makes me love you more.
Don’t tempt me. I feel sick when I look at you.
Your reputation will protect mine. And you’re the world to me. When the world is here, how can I be alone?
puck soon returns...
I’ll run away from you. I’ll leave you to the mercy of all the wild beasts.
Give it to me.
Here it is.
You take some of this juice too.
I feel sick when I don’t look at you
An Athenian lady loves a man Apply this juice on his eyes.
You’re risking your reputation by standing with someone who doesn’t love you, in the middle of the night, all alone.
The wildest beasts are not as cruel as you are. Go. Run wherever you want to.
I know a riverbank where violet grows That is where Titania snores.
Take care he next sees that woman
Make sure it is she that he fantazises.
Goodbye, young lady. Before he leaves these woods, you will be running away from him and he will wish foryour love.
The juice of this flower I will put on her eyes And about monkeys and bears she will fantasize.
You will recognize him by his Athenian clothing. Andmeet me here at dawn.
Don’t worry sir, i’m at you service.
In another part of the forest...
Oh Nightingales in the sky, Come sing our queen a lullaby Let no harm, nor spell, not charm Come near our lady, sweet and calm. Let’s say good night with a lullaby Lull-a-lull-a-lullaby.
Come my little fairies, sing me a song and put me to sleep, before you go off to do your duties.
She’s asleep now. Let’s go.
A little away from where the queen is sleeping. Honestly, I’ve forgotten the way. Let’s rest here and wait for the sunlight to help us out.
King Oberon soon finds the sleeping queen.
Alright. You This is a go find a place good place to to sleep. I will sleep. Sleep sleep here. well, my love.
Wait a minute, look whose there! Athenian clothing he does wear.
Whatever you see when you wake up You will think of it as your true love Whether it’s a cat, or a bear or a deer, You will love it so deeply, when it comes near.
Puck comes looking for the man that Oberon had described.
A young maiden this man has refused. On his eyes I have to put this flower’s juice Through the whole forest I have been But I canno find this Athenian.
This is the man my master meant And here is the girl that he resents. I’ll pour this magic on your eyes And this woman you’ll love when you rise.
And now I must run alongTo meet my lord, Oberon.
After Puck has left... Stop, Demetrius! Kill me but don’t leave me!
Is that Lysander on the ground? Is he dead or alive? Lysander if you’re alive wake up.
I order you! Stop following me.
Will you leave me here alone in the dark?
Stay at your own risk. I’m going alone.
Helena! I’d run As Lysander wakes up the effect of the magic through fire for you. juice starts showing. It’s as if I can suddenly see into your heart now.
Happy with Hermia? I regret every minute I’ve spent with her. It’s not Hermia, it is Helena that I love.
Oh, I’m out of breath. Hermia is lucky, wherever she is. Some evil mirror made me compare myself with her. I am as ugly as a bear.
Where us Demetrius. I’d kill that name with my sword if I could.
And it is telling me to look into your eyes, where I see love stories written in loves richest books.
Why would I love a crow more than a dove?
Like fruits ripen only in the right season. My judgement has only ripened now. You are making fun of me? It’s enough, just let me be. He thinks I’m not good enough. But mocking me is just rough. Oh! What grief to be ridiculed by a man for being rejected by another!
She did not see Hermia. Keep sleeping, Hermia and never come near me. I hate you the way people hate sweets after too much of it.
Don’t say that, Lysander. So what if he loves Hermia. She loves you. Be content with that.
And now I will use all my powers to express my love for Helena and be her Knight.
Hermia is left to have night mares all alone in the woods.
She wakes up with a start.
Lysander? Lysander, where are you? Can you not hear me? Lysander is not here. Oh I’m so afraid!
Help me, Lysander! Get this snake off me! Lysander, I’m so afraid!
At this time, the actors have arrived in the woods to rehearse their play. And they happen to be just where the invisible fairy queen, Titania, is sleeping.
Come on. Here is a perfectly convenient place to rehearse. This green plot will be our stage and those bushes will be the dressing room.
Are we all here?
There are a few things that the audience will just not like. Firstly, Pyramus must kill himself. The ladies will not be able to take it.
And for more assurance, let me say that I’m really Nick Bottom and not Pyramus. That should do it.
That is true!
Alright. We will write a prologue with six and eight alternating lines, like va Ballad.
We must leave the killing out of the play.
Will not let the ladies get frightened by the lion?
Either death or I will find you soon.
Quince, I have a few issues with this play.
Oh no. I have a better idea. Write me a prologue that says that no harm is done to the actors in this play.
No. We will show a little of your face through the costume, and have you announce to the ladies that you are, in fact Snug, the carpenter
Alright we will do that too. Now come let’s rehearse our lines. Pyramus, you must start and the rest, speak at your cue.
odors sweet, so hath thy breath, my dearest Thisbe. Stay thou here. I’ll be back.
Puck comes across the actors and watches the rehearsal unseen to the actors.
Thisbe, the flowers of odious sweet.
Most radiant Pyramus, as white as lily. I will meet you at Ninny’s tomb.
Odors… Odors!
Ninus’ tomb man! And you’re supposed to say that later! Pyramus, your cue has gone past.
Nick Bottom returns. But Puck has played a prank on the poor fellow.
What angel is waking me up from my sleep?
Monster! Help! Run, masters, run!
If I were handsome, Thisbe, I’d still be yours.
To make sure they run far, Puck imitates Nick’s voice. I’ll follow you and make you run in circles. Sometimes a horse, sometimes a hound and sometimes I’ll be fire. I’ll neigh and bark and roar.
Bottom’s song awakens the Fairy Queen and the magic flower makes her fall in love with the donkey-headed Nick.
What a Puck follows Nick, Yes, of strange while the rest continue. course! You’re Pyramus! Thisbe. You have to show Am I that Pyramu has left supposed you only for a while. to speak He will return. now?
Why are they running away from me? Is this some kind of prank to scare me? I won’t move from here. I shall sing here as if nothing has happened.
Sing again, sweet Human, I’m haunted by your voice. Although this is the first time I’m seeing you. I think I’m inlove with you.
The ouzel cock, so black of hue With orange-tawny bill, The throstle with his note so true, The wren with little quill.
But Miss, I don’t see any reason you should. Well, Reason and love have very little to do with each other, these days. May be somebody should introduce them to each other Haha!
You are as wise as you are handsome.
Not really. If I were wise enough, I’d be able to find a way out of these woods.
Yes Mistress.
Right here, Mistress.
Where are we going?
Enticed by all the attention, Bottom decides to stay.
You will never leave this wood, I’m going to keep you here for good. I’m not just gular fairy, I can lather you with jewellery And give you fairies to attend on you I think I’m in love with you. Peaseblossom, Cobweb, Moth, and Mustardseed!
From now on, you will be kind and courteous to this man.You will serve him delicious berries and fruits. And fan him with butterfly wings.
Moth
Peaseblosom
Hail, mortal!
Hail
Cobweb Mustardseed
Hail
I would like to get to know you all better.
Pardon me, ladies, Please tell me your names.
While Oberon was waiting for Puck... I wonder if Titania woke up and who she first saw that she fell head over heels for.
Here comes Puck.
M’lady has fallen in love with a monster. A group of working class Athenian’s were rehearsin a play meant for the Duke’s wedding night.
I picked the shallowest of them, who was playing Pyramus in the play and gave him an ass’ head. The others ran when they saw him. And just then Titania woke up and fell in love with an ass.
This is better than I planned. But have you also anointed the Athenian’s eyes with the love juice?
Your words are piercing through my heart. You’re the murderer.
Yes, sir. I found him asleep and close to him was the lady. He is sure to have seen her next.
Stand close. Here’s the same Athenian now.
This is the woman I saw. But that’s not the man.
What does that have to do with my Lysander? Where is he? Oh Demetrus, help me find him.
Your anger is misplaced. I Oh please! didn’t kill Lysander. As far as Then tell me I can tell, he isn’t he is fine. even dead.
What have you done! You Then it must be fate! That’s have put the love juice on the wrong eyes. And turned how the world works. true love into false, instead of making false into true love.
And if I did tell you that, what will I get in return?
Why are you scolding the person who loves you so much?
I’d rather give his body to my dogs.
The privilege to never see me again.
Fly faster than the wind and find Helena. And then find some way to bring her here. I will charm his eyes and make him fall in love with her.
I shouldn’t just be scolding you. if you’ve killed Lysander then kill me too.
You dog! You cur! Did you kill him then?
Oh there is no point following her when she is so angry. Let me try to sleep here for a while. Sorrow seems to grow heavier with lack of sleep.
I go, I go, look how I go Swifter than an arrow from any bow.
Oh juice of this purple flower Make this man love Helena As he sees her when he wakes A thousand apologies let him make.
How can you say I’m making fun of you, when I’m crying. I really love you. Look I’m crying!
Helena is here, sir. And so The noise is the man I mistook for those two are this one. He is begging making will for Helena’s love now. wake Can we please watch Demetrius. this madness? Such fools mortals are!
I Wasn’t thinking straight at that time, with Hermia.
Well you aren’t thinking straight now either.
Soon both these men will be in love with Helena. That should be fun to watch too.
Demetrius loves Hermia. He doesn’t love you.
You’ve made the same promises to Hermia that you’re making now. You can’t be saying the truth to both of us. O Helena, divine, peferct, goddess To what shall I compare your loveliness Your cherry red lips I want to kiss Oh princess of white, what a bliss!
You both are rivals and love Hermia, And now both rivals to mock Helena.
WHAT!
You are being mean Demetrius. I know that you love Hermia. Why are you interfering with my love for Helena?
Oh hell! I see I’m just a joke to you Why can’t you just hate me, like I know you do. Instead you mock me, and laugh at my expense Why can’t you be civil and be courteous gents?
If I ever loved Hermia, it is all gone. And now for me Helena is the only one. What has your love for Hermia become? Talk about the girl, here she comes
I can barely see in this darkness. But your voice brings me closer to you, Lysander! Why did you leave me alone like this?
Why should I stay with you?
I’m not doing anything to you! In fact, you’re the one who hates me.
You have set Lysander and Demetrius to pretend as if they love me.
Lysander, leave her.
If Hermia can’t make you leave her, then maybe I can.
Demetrius, I will fight you for Helena.
I don’t think you will.
You aren’t kidding, are you, Lysander?
My love for Helena grows stronger by the minute. Why are you here? I hate the sight of you!
I don’t understand what you’re saying!
Helena, I love you, I swear I do.
No! It can’t be. You don’t know what you’re saying.
Sure. Continue to pretend as if you’re hurt and sad. When I turnmy back, you will wink at each other and laugh for making such a fool of me.
Lysander, why are you doing this?
You cheat! You thief! You have stolen my Lysander’s heart!
This is probably my own fault. May be if I go away everything will return to normal.
And I love you more than he can do.
What a liar! Don’t you have any shame lying so much?
She is part of this conspiracy. What a spiteful, ungrateful friend. Have you forgotten how we shared secrets since childhood?
No Helena, don’t go!
Get away from me!
I know! You have won him over with your height. He hates me now because I’m short and you’re taller, isn’t it? Well, I’m tall enough to gouge your eyes out.
Helena hides behind Demetrius. Oh no! Please don’t let her hurt me. Oh Hermia, don’t hurt me. I have done you no harm, have I? Let me go.
Go away from here, Hermia. Get away from me, and don’t trouble my Helena.
Oberon and Puck had been watching all this from close by. This is all your fault. You purposely poured the love juice on the wrong person, didn’t you?
Don’t worry, Helena, she won’t hurt you.
Well then go! What are you waiting for?
How dare you call Helena yours! She is not yours. She is mine. She hates you.
Then fight me for her, come.
Believe me, sir. I didn’t know. You told me to look for a man who was wearing Athenian clothing. Look, both of them are wearing Athenian clothes.
They will soon get tired and fall asleep. That is when you will pour this love juice on Lysander’s eyes.
Up and down, up and down I will lead them up and down.
I will save you, Helena.
Stay where you are, Helena. This is all because of you.
Now you have to make it right. You must cover these woods with fog, so that the two men can’t see each other. Lead them away from each other.
Just as Oberon had ordered, Puck covers the woods with fog. Then, first he speaks in Dmetrius’ voice.
Demetrius, where are you? Speak now.
I’m right here, Lysander, ready to fight you.
I’m coming to get you.
Then follow me to plainer grounds.
Next he went to Demetrius and pretended to be Lysander.
Where are you hiding, Lysander? Behind some bush?
Are you fighting with me or that bush. Come here, I will whip you with a rod. Where are you?
Follow my voice. This place is no good to fight.
Puck leads Demetrius on. Where are you coward? Why aren’t you fightingme?
Helena also finds her way there.
Oh this has been an exhausting night. I think I will just rest here for a while.
Demetrius keeps daring me to follow his voice, but whenever I get there he is gone. He runs faster than I can catch him.
Puck leads him close to where Lysander has fallen asleep. You are just playing me around. It is too dark to see you. Go away now. Come back in the morning and I will fight you.
Let me rest here for a bit and then I will follow him again.
I’m right here. Come fight me.
One more girl and the pairs will be complete. And here she is.
Demetrius also lies down and soon falls sleep.
Never have I been so tired. My legs won’t take me any further. Lord, please protect Lysander from harm.
Puck pours the love juice on Lysander’s eyes.
On the ground do they all lie And now the love juice I must apply On this Lysander, this is t he one To right the mistake I have done.
Would you like to hear some music, darling?
Meanwhile, Titania along with Nick Bottom and her Ms Peaseblossom, procession of fairies, find their way to this part do you mind scratching of the forest. Unknown to them Oberon is near by. my head? And Ms Cobweb,
could you please find me some honey?
Or may be you are hungry. I will get the fairies to find you fresh nuts.
I’d rather have some good, sweet hay. Thank you. But right now I’m feeling a little sleepy.
Puck arrives at the scene. Come, Puck. Do you see this? I feel sorry for Titania that is in love with an ass.
Then lie in my arms here. I will keep you comfortable. Fairies, go away and leave us alone.
You know I had met her in the forest a little while ago. I teased her about her donkey boyfriend. Then we fought about the Indian boy.
I told her I will take the spell off her if she gave me the boy. And she agreed. I will now undo the spell on her. And you must remove the spell from this poor Athenian.
Oberon squeezes juice from the second flower.
I’m so confused.
Master, I think I hear the morning lark.
Some time later...
Be as you were supposed to be See as you were supposed to see This juice from Diana’s flower Will undo the cupid’s flower’s power Wake up, sweet love, Wake up my queen.
Forget it all now. Puck, remove the ass head from this man.
Then let’s go, my queen, to a place where it’s still dark.
My Oberon, I had such a strange dream! I thought I was in love with an ass.
When you wake up, you foolish man, may you have your own head.
And there you can tell me how I ended up lying here with these five humans.
Come, my love, let me show you around the woods. Egeus, come with us.
Wait, who are these people lying on the ground?
There is your lover.
Now that I have wooed you again We shall dance at the Duke’s wedding There will these four lovers be wedded too And all will be joyful and happy true.
And so the Fairy King and Queen flew off into the night.
That’s my daughter, my lord! And that’s Lysander. That is Demetrius there with Helena, daughter of old Nedar.
No doubt, they came here early to greet us. They must have known that I will be taking rounds today.
The four kneel in greeting to the Duke.
By the Athenian law, I want his head cut off! My daughter will only marry Demetrius!
Isn’t your daughter supposed to give her answer to me today?
Rise. I know Lysander and Demetrius hate each other. How is it that I find you sleeping here in the woods without hatred?
My lord, Helena told me of their elopement. And I followed them hoping to stop them. And Helena followed me.
Dear lovers, you are fortunate. Egeus, I’m going to overrule your decision. These couples shall be married with us today.
Yes, my lord.
The huntsmen blow a horn, in order to wake the lovers up.
I’m not entirely sure of how we got here sir. But our intention was to run away together from Athens.
Good morning, everybody. Valentine’s day is over.
Enough! My lord, he was going to run away with my daughter. Without my consent.
But by some celestial power, The love that on Hermia I had showered Has melted away like snow. I love only Helena now.
Everything seems hazy, like mountain tops in the clouds.
I think I see double.
Me too.
It all feels like a dream?
Was the Duke just here? Did he tell us to follow him to the temple?
Hey! Peter Quince? Flute? Snout? Starveling? Oh god! They’ve all gone, leaving me asleep here.
Meanwhile in Athens...
Have you been to Bottom’s house yet? Has he come back?
No one’s heard from him. I’m sure he’s kidnapped.
I’ve just heard that the Duke is coming from the temple. There are two or three lords and ladies with them too.
Nick Bottom, sleeping nearby wakes up with a start. He has his head back.
Yes he did! Let’s go.
I’ve had the strangest dream. I thought I was I thought I had... But I’d be a fool to openly admit it.
If he doesn’t come, the whole play will be ruined. We can’t do it at all, can we?
No. No man in Athens but him can play Pyramus.
If we had been able to perform, such an audience we would have had!
Tell me when my cue comes.
Nobody would believe me. I’ll get Peter Quince to write a ballad about this.
You’re right. He is the best actor in all of Athens.
He is also the best person in all of Athens.
Where are my friends? Where’s everybody?
Bottom! Oh thank god! You’re back!
Oh I’ve been through such amazing things. Don’t ask me what.
At the palace of Duke Theseus.
These lovers are saying such strange stories!
Here is a list, my lord. You may choose from any of these.
I’d rather not make fun of hardworking men.
Take what they say with a pinch of salt.
Oh do tell. What happened to you?
Not a word from me. But get ready now. The Duke has dined and he asks for our play.
Lunatics, lovers and poets all have an over active imagination. Here they come.
“a tedious brief scene of young Pyramus and his love Thisbe. Very tragical mirth.” That sounds interesting.
Then we will appreciate the hard work they have put in it.
It’s as short play as I have ever known, sir. The tragedy is that all the actors are misfits and their lines are terrible. It’s quite funny.
But he just said that they are bad actors.
So what, they have still put in hard work to welcome us and celebrate this occasion. I want to thank them for that.
This must have clean clothes. Don’t eat any onions or garlic. We need to preserve our breath.
Call Philostrate. What entertainment has been organized for tonight?
The actors are all worksmen from Athens.
The actors are ready, my lord.
Then we shall see it.
Then let us begin.
If we offend you, it is with good intentions. We will show you what little skill we have, to offend you. Not is our intention. Here are the actors to tell you everything.
The actors take position on stage.
This fellow needs to learn punctuation.
This man will represent a wall.
The prologue thus ended. The play is about to begin.
I represent a wall that parts our lovers. Through this little hole will they now converse. My name is Snout.
What happens next?
Pyramus.
Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you.
The beautiful Thisbe.
He was completely out of control!
Oh grim-looking night! Oh night, that’s always there when day is not. I think my love, Thisbe has forgotten our promise.
This is a lion.
Oh wall, show me your chink so that I may look for myself.
Oh wall that parts me from my love.
I hear a voice! Is that you Thisbe?
And so it is that I’ve played my part. And now it is time that I depart.
Such a considerate lion he is.
My love, it is you, Pyramus!
This is the silliest thing that I have ever seen.
I am still faithfull to you, Thisbe.
Oh Pyramus, I will wait for you forever.
Now here are two noble beasts entering the stage – a man and a lion.
I will represent moonshine. As, you see, the lovers meet in the moonshine. This is a thornbush and that is my dog.
Will you meet me at Ninny’s tomb?
I will come right away.
Ladies of a weak heart, who tremble at the sight of a mouse. I will play the lion and roar very loudly. Please do not be afraid, I will cause no harm.
This is Ninny’s tomb, but where is my love?
Help!
Roar
Ro
Ro
ar
r a o
ar
R
I have now come to Ninny’s tomb. Sweet Moon, thank you for shining so brightly. I will now wait for my beloved Thisbe.
Oh nature why did you make the lion. And now the lion has taken away my Thisbe from me.
My love, are you asleep? No, dead? Oh how is this possible!
But wait. What do I see here? This is Thisbe’s mantle. Oh look it has blood on it.
My beautiful Thisbe. That loved, that liked, that looked so happy. Oh She has been taken from me.
Your beautiful eyes and lips and cheeks. No more! Then Why should I live.
Oh dear! Death to whoever has done this! Oh fate, come take my life too!
Come, sword. Take my life. Thus I will die. Die die die.
Farewell friends. Thisbe will also die. Adieu.
And thus the play ended.
My lord, Would you not like to see the epilogue?
The: No epilogue. Your play spoke for itself. Well done, all of you!
Now it is time of night when the wolf will howl at moon’s sight and now is when the farmer snores. The owls will hoot and time slows it’s time for fairies to do their job and i will clean this house and swob.
Come fairies let’s sing and dance. And bless this house with luck and chance.
The midnight bells have rung. It is time to go to bed. Today’s festivities have been good. But we will have celebrations for another fortnight.