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Synopsis
King Arthur is hunting in the woods when a disgruntled knight, named Sir
Gromer Somer Joure, threatens the king’s life. The knight is outraged
that Arthur continues to poach game on his property. When Arthur reminds
the knight of the bonds of chivalry, Sir Gromer agrees to spare the
king’s life, if he can return within a year’s time with the answer to
the question: What do women most desire?
Arthur
immediately seeks the help of his best friend, Sir Gawain, and they
begin interviewing women in the kingdom but, to no avail. They decide to
search in opposite directions at which point Gawain comes upon a
loathsome creature in the woods. Half woman, half animal, her name is
Dame Ragnelle. She says, she has the answer that he needs but that
Gawain must marry her to obtain it. In order to save the king, Gawain
brings Ragnelle back to court. Initially reluctant to sacrifice his best
friend to the hideous creature, King Arthur blesses the marriage. In a
short aria, Dame Ragnelle reveals the answer to the question. Women
desire sovereignty. The King delivers the answer to Sir Gromer who
albeit, chagrined by the interference of his sister, Dame Ragnelle,
pardons the king. A jubilant chorus ensues.
During
the wedding preparation a quartet erupts in which Arthur urges Gawain
to let him pay off Dame Ragnelle but Gawain insists on remaining true to
his knightly oath. Meanwhile, Dame Guenevere is worried about keeping
up appearances at court and wants to arrange a secret ceremony. Dame
Ragnelle, however, insists on a full blown wedding in public view.
After
a chorus, cataloguing all that Dame Ragnelle has devoured at the
wedding feast, the couple retires to their bedchamber. When Gawain
kisses Ragnelle, she is transformed into a woman of surpassing beauty.
Gawain falls instantly in love but Dame Ragnelle (now transformed and
sung by a lyric soprano) says he can only have her, as such, half the
day and that he must decide which half. Should he have her fair at day
in court or fair at night in bed? He decides not to decide and gives her
the choice. Dame Ragnelle exclaims that Gawain has given her “her
sovereignty.” The spell is broken. She remains fair day and night. The
king blesses their marriage and all live happily ever after.
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Title Information
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Approximate Runtime (hh:mm)
0:40
Number of Acts
1
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