The Winter's Tale

A world premiere from ENO’s composer-in-residence Ryan Wigglesworth, The Winter‘s Tale a compelling new interpretation of Shakespeare’s tale of love, loss and reconciliation.

Many years ago, in the grip of a jealous rage, King Leontes caused the death of his loyal wife Hermione and their young son. All seemed lost for him. But now, as spring blossoms, Leontes stands repentant before a statue of his queen, praying for a miracle of redemption.

Synopsis

Act I

Leontes, King of Sicilia, is convinced his old friend, Polixenes, King of Bohemia, has been having an affair with his pregnant wife, Hermione. When the child (a girl) is born, certain it is Polixenes’ rather than his, Leontes demands it be cast out to another kingdom. Hermione is put on trial at which an oracle, sent from the god Apollo, is called upon to deliver its verdict. During the trial, news arrives that Mamillius, first child of Leontes and Hermione, has died. This prompts Hermione to collapse. As the queen, too, is pronounced dead, her newborn baby (now named Perdita) is abandoned on the coast of Bohemia.

Act II

Sixteen years later in rural Bohemia, adopted and brought up by shepherds, Perdita has begun a relationship, by coincidence, with Polixenes’ son, Florizel. During the spring feast, Polixenes, in disguise, witnesses his son’s proposal to Perdita. Furious, Polixenes reveals himself, disinherits Florizel and threatens to kill Perdita. The young couple escape to Sicilia.

Act III

Leontes, still grieving for his wife and son after sixteen years, receives Florizel and Perdita at the Sicilian court. He discovers Perdita to be his lost daughter. Paulina, lady-in-waiting to Hermione, leads the assembled company, including the now reunited Leontes and Polixenes, to view a statue of Hermione.