The Turn of the Screw

Opera

Writers: Benjamin Britten Myfanwy Piper

Overview

Show Information

Libretto
Based on the Play/Book/Film
Henry James 1898 novella The Turn of the Screw
Category
Opera
Number of Acts
2
First Produced
1954
Genres
Drama, Horror
Settings
Multiple Settings
Time & Place
mid-19th century, at bly, an east english country house
Cast Size
small
Orchestra Size
Small
Dancing
None
Ideal for
Chamber Opera, College/University, Professional Opera, Regional Theatre, Small Cast
Casting Notes
Mostly female cast
Includes adult, child, mature adult characters

Synopsis

Written in 1954, The Turn of the Screw is the last of Benjamin Britten’s chamber operas, based on the gothic horror novella of the same title. A sheltered young governess is sent to care for two children in a country house called Bly. At first, her new post seems perfect--the children, Miles and Flora, are positively angelic, and the estate is beautiful. Soon, however, the governess becomes suspicious as apparitions of a man and a woman begin to appear around the house and the grounds. The housekeeper informs her that they are the ghosts of Quint, the manservant, and Miss Jessel, the former governess. As the governess feels an increasing sense of evil surrounding the house, the ghosts appear more often and ever closer to the children, intending to possess them as the governess tries desperately to protect her young charges. A tale of the struggle of good and evil, the corruption of innocence, and the supernatural, The Turn of the Screw is a terrifying and brilliantly composed thriller that has been called one of the most dramatically compelling British operas of all time.

Lead Characters


The Turn of the Screw guide sections