Pelléas and Mélisande – Details, episodes & analysis

Pelléas and Mélisande is a captivating Symbolist play by the renowned Belgian playwright Maurice Maeterlinck, exploring the tragic and forbidden love between its titular characters. Mélisande, trapped in a marriage with Golaud, finds herself irresistibly drawn to his brother, Pelléas, igniting a tale of jealousy and inevitable sorrow. Although the play, first performed in 1893, did not achieve widespread acclaim in its time, it garnered the admiration of literary giants within the symbolist movement, such as Strindberg and Rilke. This recording features an abridged version of the original text, artfully adapted by Claude Debussy for his operatic interpretation. Debussy streamlined the narrative by omitting scenes with minor characters to enhance the productions focus, a choice that Maeterlinck himself endorsed. (Summary by Alan Mapstone) Cast list Arkel, King of Allemonde Beeswaxcandle Geneviere, mother of Pelleas and Golaud Claudia Caldi Pelleas, grandson of Arkel Kurt Golaud, grandson of Arkel Greg Giordano Melisande Sonia Little Yniold, Golauds son by his first marriage Inkell Shepherd redrun Physician David Purdy Stage Directions Alan Mapstone