Sakùntala
Franco Alfano
Cast
Sakuntala: Evelyn Brunner
Durvasas: Richard Robson
Harita: Brian Kemp
A Young Hermit: Harry Nicoll
The King: David Parker
Anusuya: Rosamund Illing
Priyamvada: Anita Terzian
The King's Squire: Andrew Gallacher
Kanva: Armando Caforio
A Fisherman: Brendan Cavanagh
Creative Team
| Conductor | Albert Rosen |
| Director | Nicholas Hytner |
| Set Design | David Fielding |
| Costume Design | David Fielding |
| Lighting Design | Mick Hughes |
| Music Preparation | Philip Knowles |
| Chorus Master | Simon Joly |
The Plot
"Sakuntala" tells the story of a young woman named Sakuntala, who is the daughter of a sage and a celestial nymph. She lives in a hermitage and catches the attention of King Dushyanta, who falls in love with her at first sight. The two get married in a secret ceremony known as Gandharva marriage.
However, due to a curse, Sakuntala is forced to leave the palace and return to her hermitage. In her haste, she accidentally leaves behind a ring that Dushyanta had given her as a token of their love. When Dushyanta later sees the ring, he is struck by amnesia and forgets about his marriage to Sakuntala.
Meanwhile, Sakuntala gives birth to a son named Bharata, who becomes an important figure in Indian mythology. Years later, Dushyanta encounters Sakuntala and their son in the forest but does not recognize them. Through various trials and interventions by celestial beings, Dushyanta's memory is restored, and he is reunited with Sakuntala and Bharata.