Pelléas et Mélisande

Cast

Golaud Paul Gay
Mélisande Andrea Carroll
Geneviève Susan Bickley
Arkel Brian Bannatyne-Scott
Pelléas Jonathan McGovern
Yniold William Davies
Shepherd Joseph Padfield
Doctor Dingle Yandell
Pelléas's father (silent) Neil Allen

Conductor Jac van Steen
Director Michael Boyd
Designer Tom Piper

Garsington Opera Chorus
Philharmonia Orchestra
 

Synopsis

ACT ONE

Scene One
Golaud has lost his way. He is startled by Mélisande. She too is lost - unhappy and frightened, she has fled from something that she cannot, or will not, explain. Golaud persuades her to go with him. 

Scene Two
Geneviève reads a letter to Arkel, which Golaud has written to Pelléas to tell him that he has married Mélisande. He fears Arkel will not approve; Arkel tells Geneviève that he will not oppose destiny. Pelléas has also received a letter from a friend who is dying. Arkel advises Pelléas not to visit him as Pelléas's own father is close to death. 

Scene Three
Mélisande arrives in Allemonde and comments to Geneviève on the darkness surrounding the castle. With Pelléas they look at the lights of the ship that has brought her and Golaud, putting out to sea. 
 

ACT TWO

Scene One
Pelléas has brought Mélisande to his favourite place, the 'Blind Man's Well'. She plays with her wedding ring and it falls into the water. 

Scene Two
Golaud has been injured by a fall from his horse. He notices that the ring he gave Mélisande is missing and sends her off to look for it.

Scene Three
Mélisande and Pelléas have come down to a cave by the sea to pretend to look for the ring. In the moonlight they see three beggars, victims of a famine. 

INTERVAL

ACT THREE

Scene One
Pelléas hears Mélisande singing from her bedroom in the tower and plays with her long hair. Golaud scolds Pelléas and Mélisande for their childish games.  

Scene Two
Golaud shows Pelléas a stagnant pool in the precipitous vaults of the castle. 

Scene Three
Pelléas is relieved to have escaped from the vaults and into the light. Golaud asks him to avoid Mélisande: she is expecting a child. 

Scene Four
Golaud questions his son Yniold about Mélisande and Pelléas. Yniold is frightened. Golaud forces him to spy on Mélisande and Pelléas. 
 

ACT FOUR

Scene One
Pelléas tells Mélisande that his father has recovered and that he will be leaving soon. 

Scene Two
Arkel rejoices that light may return to the caslte with the birth of a new child. Golaud comes in with blood on his face. He turns on Mélisande, violently. 

Scene Three
Yniold's ball has become trapped in the rocks. A shepherd passes with his sheep. Yniold runs away. 

Scene Four
Pelléas waits for Mélisande. She arrives and they admit their love for each other. They hear the castle gates closing. They are surprised by Golaud, who kills Pelleéas and wounds Mélisande as she flees. 

ACT FIVE

Scene One
Mélisande is very ill, following the birth of a daughter. The doctor reassures Golaud that she can recover. Mélisande wakes and Golaud questions her. Arkel brings Mélisande her baby but she is too weak. Mélisande dies. Arkel comforts Golaud.