Titania's Monologue | Act II scene 1 | A Midsummer Night's Dream (2023) | Shakespeare's Globe

'We are their parents and original' In this - one of Shakespeare's most iconic soliloquys - Titania Queen of the Fairies (Marianne Oldham) describes the impact of her and Oberon's (Jack Laskey) quarrels has on the mortal realms. Directed by Elle While, A Midsummer Night's Dream played in the Globe Theatre as part of our Summer 2023 season: https://bit.ly/GlobeDream2023 #AMidsummerNightsDream #ThisWoodenO _____________________ TRANSCRIPT 00:00 These are the forgeries of jealousy; And never, since the middle summer’s spring, Met we on hill, in dale, forest, or mead, By pavèd fountain or by rushy brook, Or in the beachèd margent of the sea, To dance our ringlets to the whistling wind, 00:21 But with thy brawls thou hast disturbed our sport. Therefore the winds, piping to us in vain, As in revenge have sucked up from the sea Contagious fogs, which, falling in the land, Hath every pelting river made so proud That they have overborne their continents. 00:50 The ox hath therefore stretched his yoke in vain, The plowman lost his sweat, and the green corn Hath rotted ere his youth attained a beard. 01:02 The fold stands empty in the drownèd field, And crows are fatted with the murrain flock. The human mortals want their winter cheer. No night is now with hymn or carol blessed. 01:14 Therefore the moon, the governess of floods, Pale in her anger, washes all the air, That rheumatic diseases do abound. 01:31 And thorough this distemperature we see The seasons alter: hoary-headed frosts Fall in the fresh lap of the crimson rose, And on old Hiems’ chin an icy crown An odorous chaplet of sweet summer buds Is, as in mockery, set. The spring, the summer, The childing autumn, angry winter, change Their wonted liveries, and the mazèd world By their increase now knows not which is which. 02:06 And this same progeny of evils comes From our debate, from our dissension; 02:15 We are their parents and original. _____________________ Subscribe for scenes, interviews and more: https://bit.ly/ShakespearesGlobeYouTube Watch Shakespeare On Demand with Globe Player: https://bit.ly/GlobePlayerTV See what's on: https://bit.ly/GlobeWhatsOn _____________________ ABOUT SHAKESPEARE'S GLOBE Shakespeare’s Globe is a world-renowned performing arts venue, cultural attraction and education centre located on the bank of the River Thames in London, UK, and is home to the Globe Theatre and Sam Wanamaker Playhouse. We celebrate Shakespeare’s transformative impact on the world by conducting a radical theatrical experiment. Inspired and informed by the unique historic playing conditions of two beautiful iconic theatres, our diverse programme of work harnesses the power of performance, cultivates intellectual curiosity and excites learning to make Shakespeare accessible for all. ‘And let us ... on your imaginary forces work.’ — Henry V, Prologue Discover more: https://www.shakespearesglobe.com/