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Overview

Synopsis

Curlew River is based on the Japanese noh play Sumidagawa (Sumida River) of Juro Motomasa (1395-1431). The story is told through four main characters who, in the style of Noh theatre, are all performed by male singers. The madwoman and traveler wish to cross the Curlew River on the Ferryman's boat in order to find the Madwoman's missing child. During the journey, the Ferryman tells the story of a boy who arrived a year ago with a cruel master who had kidnapped him. The boy was sick and left by the river by his master. When the boy died, he asked to be buried by the path to the local chapel. Then if travelers from his homeland passed by, a yew tree would be planted in his memory. It turns out that this is the boy that Madwoman had come searching for. Grief-stricken by this knowledge, she prays at the boy's graveside. In the end, the Madwoman is redeemed and her madness is gone.

Show Information

Music
Benjamin Britten
Libretto
William Plomer
Category
Opera
Age Guidance
Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
Number of Acts
2
Genres
Cast Size
small
Licensor
None/royalty-free
Ideal For
Mostly Male Cast, Includes Adult, Mature Adult, Young Adult, Child, Early Teen, Late Teen Characters, Small Cast

Context


Plot


Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Madwomen

Lead

Male

Tenor

Abbot

Lead

Male

Bass

Ferryman

Lead

Male

Baritone

Traveller

Supporting

Male

Baritone

The boy

Featured

Male

Soprano

Eight Pilgrims

Ensemble

Either Gender

Songs

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A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.

Monologues

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Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

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