 Princess ida
or Castle Adamant
A respectful operatic perversion in 3 acts (2 acts and a prologue) based
on Tennyson's The Princess. Book and Lyrics by W.S. Gilbert.
Music by Arthur Sullivan.
Savoy Theatre, London - 5 January, 1884 (246 perfs)
Synopsis
Act 1
After a short orchestral introduction the curtain rises
on a pavilion in the grounds of King Hildebrand's castle where the courtiers
are watching for the arrival of King Gama and his daughter the Princess
Ida. Some twenty years earlier Hildebrand's son Hilarion had been betrothed
to the Princess ("at the extremely early age of one") and Gama
is now expected to bring the girl to him. Hilarion is worried about the
impending meeting with a bride he has not seen for so many years but
consoles himself with the thought that at least he is no longer twice
the age of his wife. Hildebrand tells him that Gama has been sighted — but
without the Princess. It is rumoured that she has renounced mankind and
formed a ladies college from which men are strictly barred.
King. Gama enters, preceded by his three warrior sons,
Arac, Guron, and Scynthius. He is a mishapen creature and as he himself
admits "such a disagreeable man". Hilarion with his friends
Cyril and Florian determine to go to the Princess' castle and attempt
to change her mind by wooing her. Hildebrand orders that Gama and his
sons shall in the meantime be imprisoned and as the act ends they are
led off to a dungeon cell.
Act 2
The second act is set in the grounds of Castle Adamant
where the Professor of Humanities, Lady Psyche, is lecturing a group
of graduates on the evils of the male sex. Lady Blanche, Professor of
Abstract Science, arrives to announce the day's punishments closely followed
by Princess Ida herself. The Princess prays to the Goddess of wisdom,
Minerva, to guide her in her mighty mission. She takes up Lady Psyche's
theme of Women's superiority over men before leading the girls off to
their classes. Lady Blanche is left alone musing on her destiny which
she is convinced is to rule the university instead of Princess Ida. She
hurries off and after a few moments three inquisitive heads are seen
peering over a wall. It is Hilarion, Cyril, and Florian who have just
reached[ne castle aria nave crimoea in. i ney ring some undergraduate
robes which they don as disguises. Princess Ida admits them to the university
on the condition that they never marry men! The three "girls" solemnly
accept. Lady Psyche enters and recognises her brother Florian who decides
to tell her of their plan.
The secret is also shared by Lady Blanche's daughter
Melissa who finds the men's rough chins and deep voices very much to
her liking. The five young people are overheard by Blanche who agrees
to share in the deception only on Melissa pointing out to her that if
Hilarion marries Princess Ida, Blanche's destiny will be fulfilled and
she will come to rule the University. The luncheon bell is heard and
all the undergraduates gather for their meal. Cyril, however, drinks
rather too much wine and bursts into the wooing song "Would you
know the kind of maid?" The Princess is horrified and rushes to
the bridge at the back of the garden. She loses her footing and falls
into the stream. She is rescued by Hilarion, but far from being grateful
to him orders the immediate arrest of the three "intruding spies".
Melissa runs in and announces that King Hildebrand and his men are storming
the castle walls. Following a brief struggle the King enters along with
Arac, Guron and Scynthius who are still in chains. The Princess defies
the warriors and prepares herself for battle.
Act 3
Princess Ida, Lady Psyche, Lady Blanche and Melissa
are in the courtyard of Castle Adamant clad in armour and brandishing
fearsome looking weapons. It appears though that despite their warlike
demeanour they are terrified at the thought of the forthcoming battle.
The Princess vows to remain steadfast whatever the frailties of her army.
King Gama is led in complaining that he has been submitted to the most
terrible torture. He has been so well looked after that he has nothing
to grumble at. Gama's three sons are set to fight out the battle with
Hilarion, Cyril, and Florian, and in the best Gilbertian manner they
divest themselves of all their hot, heavy armour before going to fight.
They are easily beaten and at this last blow Princess Ida decides to
give up the university. She is sad that her dream is ended for she says "At
my exalted name posterity would bow in gratitude".
Hildebrand points out to her that in a world without
men there would be no posterity to bow before her. Ida appears not to
have considered this small but not unimportant point and agrees to yield
to Hilarion. Psyche joins up with Cyril, Melissa with Florian and all
look forward to a happy future.
TONY WATTS
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