Hippolyta ponders the lovers’ experiences in the forest, and then comments on the absurd play the mechanicals perform.
Theseus ponders the lovers experiences in the forest, and then selects Quince’s play for performance.
Philostrate reads a list of performances Theseus can choose from.
Lysander comments on the absurd play the mechanicals perform.
Demetrius comments on the absurd play the mechanicals perform.
Quince performs the prologue of the play.
Flute plays Thisbe in the play.
Snout plays the wall in the play.
Starveling plays moonshine in the play.
Snug plays the lion in the play.
Bottom plays Pyramus in the play.
Robin arrives with Titania and Oberon after the couples have gone to bed.
Oberon and Titania dance and sing a fairy song to bless Theseus’ palace.
Titania and Oberon dance and sing a fairy song to bless Theseus’ palace.
Newly married, Theseus and Hippolyta, Lysander and Hermia, and Demetrius and Helena gather to view a celebratory performance. Despite Philostrate’s warnings about the play’s quality, Theseus chooses Quince’s play about Pyramus and Thisbe. Each mechanical has his moment in the spotlight. Quince performs a nonsensical prologue, Snout performs a speech explaining he is playing the wall, Snug performs a speech explaining that he is not a real lion, and Starveling explains that he represents moonlight. Bottom and Flute, meanwhile, perform the parts of Pyramus and Thisbe. The entire performance is ridiculous, but Theseus praises the play, and declares it’s time for bed.
As the three couples head off to bed, Robin arrives, and soon after Oberon, Titania, and their attendants show up. They all sing and dance to bless the palace with “sweet peace.” Robin ends the play with a speech imploring the audience to think the entire play is just a dream.
