Based on Jane Austen’s novel Mansfield Park, this opera follows the story of young Fanny Price, who at the age of 10 was sent to live with her wealthy relatives at Mansfield Park, in Northamptonshire. Her life is an uncomfortable and unhappy one at the hands of her relatives, as Fanny grows up amidst the coordination of marriages, vocations, and romances for her four older cousins, Tom, Edmund, Maria, and Julia.
Sir Thomas Bertram, Fanny’s uncle, leaves to attend business abroad, and returns to find Fanny has matured well. A marriage is proposed for Fanny, to Henry Crawford, but Fanny refuses, as she has seen Henry’s awful treatment of other women. Fanny’s decision is proven to be the right one, when an affair is revealed between Henry Crawford and Maria, one of Fanny’s cousins who was recently married. Disgrace and divorce plague the Bertram’s household, and a fall from a horse threatens the life of Tom Bertram, the eldest cousin. Despite her previous treatment, Fanny works to keep everything peaceful and joyful at Mansfield Park.
After learning about the adultery, Edmund Bertram breaks off his engagement with Mary Crawford, Henry’s sister. It would not be appropriate for a man entering the clergy to be associated with the family. He confides in Fanny, and the two of them grow fond of each other. They marry and move into the parsonage at Mansfield Park.
A well-loved novel, which deals with many important themes, such as wealth and povery, social status, marriage and adultery, slavery, and religious vocation, is brought to life in Dove’s 2011 opera.
Mansfield Park guide sections
