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Billy Budd

Billy Budd 2008

July 12 - August 21, 2008

Five years after Peter Grimes…

…Benjamin Britten returned to sagas of the sea in this tale of a seraphic young sailor and his fall from grace, his satanic master-at-arms, and his commander, who must make life’s ultimate choice.

Music By
Benjamin Britten
Libretto By
E.M. Forster and Eric Crozier

Synopsis

Prologue

The action takes place in 1797, during the Napoleonic war between England and France.

In old age, Captain Edward Fairfax Vere reflects upon his life in the British Navy and the court-martial of Billy Budd that took place on board his ship.

The action shifts to the HMS Indomitable, years earlier.

Act I

The novice slips on deck and is given 20 lashes. A boat delivers three new sailors, including Billy Budd. He is young, strong and able, but has a stutter. Claggart, the master-at-arms, instantly dislikes him. Inspired by his shipmates’ description of Vere, Billy pledges himself to the captain until death. Vere, along with the first lieutenant and the sailing master, swear their hatred of France and share their fears over recent reports of mutiny. The other two are wary of Billy Budd, but Vere believes he poses no threat to the ship’s discipline. Claggart forces the novice into inciting Billy to lead a mutiny, without success. Billy tells everything to Dansker, who in turn warns him that Claggart is his enemy. In his innocence, Billy refuses to believe Dansker.

Act II

A French ship is sighted and the crew rallies to chase her. They fire a cannon shot, but it falls short, and the French ship gets away. Spirits sink as the crew goes back to waiting. Claggart informs Vere that he suspects Billy Budd. Billy enters Vere’s cabin, believing he has been summoned for a promotion. Claggart accuses him of mutiny, and Billy’s stutter prevents him from answering. Angry and frustrated, Billy swings his fist and kills Claggart. Faced with his duty, Vere believes that he has no choice but to convene a court-martial. The verdict is death by hanging. Vere tells Billy of his fate. Dansker tells Billy the crew is willing to mutiny for him but Billy discourages them. He is brought up on deck at dawn. The First Lieutenant reads his sentence and Billy’s final words are to bless “Starry Vere.”

Epilogue

Again an old man, Vere realizes that he has been saved by the man whom he refused to save.

Artists

Teddy Tahu Rhodes headshot

Teddy Tahu Rhodes

Baritone

Billy Budd

William Burden headshot

William Burden

Tenor

Captain Vere

Peter Rose headshot

Peter Rose

Bass-baritone

John Claggart

Timothy Nolen headshot

Timothy Nolen

Baritone

Mr. Flint

Richard Stilwell headshot

Richard Stilwell

Baritone

Mr. Redburn

John Stephens headshot

John Stephens

Bass-baritone

Mr. Ratcliffe

John Duykers headshot

John Duykers

Tenor

Red Whiskers

Thomas Hammons headshot

Thomas Hammons

Bass

Dansker

Keith Jameson headshot

Keith Jameson

Tenor

A Novice

Lucas Meachem Headshot

Lucas Meachem

Baritone

Donald

Matthew Tuell headshot

Matthew Tuell

Tenor

Maintop

Kelly Markgraf headshot

Kelly Markgraf

Baritone

Bosun

Matthew Hanscom headshot

Matthew Hanscom

Baritone

First Mate

Chad Sloan headshot

Chad Sloan

Baritone

Second Mate

Jeffrey Behrens headshot

Jeffrey Behrens

Tenor

Squeak

Andrew Darling headshot

Andrew Darling

Baritone

Arthur Jones

Edo de Waart headshot

Edo de Waart

Conductor

Paul Curran headshot

Paul Curran

Director

robert innes hopkins headshot

Robert Innes Hopkins

Scenic & costume Designer

Rick Fisher headshot

Rick Fisher

Lighting Designer

Susanne Sheston headshot

Susanne Sheston

Chorus Master