OPERA.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6832, 21 April 1890, Page 4

OPERA.

PRINCESS IDA,

The following is au outline of tbe story of tho opera to be produced .it tho Theatre Eoyal this evening : — King Gania and King Hildebrand have respectively a daughter nnd a son, Ida and Hilarion, who have been married in their infancy, and ab tbe age of twenty-one the young Prince awaits his brido^ who is expected to arrive, accompanied by her lather. King Gam:-i> arrivea without the princess, exclaiming that she lias foresworn the world, and rules a woman's university at Castle Adamant, within whose walls no male being is admitted. Hilarion and his two friends, Florian aud Cyril, agree to visit Castle Adamant, iiildebiand meanwhile ordering Gama and his three sons to be detained as hostages. The second act is laid in tho grounds of the Castle, the students being discovered in their academic costume, together with Lady Blanche, professor of abstract science, Lady Psyche, professor of humanities, Melisaa, Lady Blanche's daughter, and the princess. After the latter has delivered an address they retire, and Hilarion, Cyril and Florian are seen climbing over a wall. They discover some students' costumes lying about, which they have only jusfc donned when the princess enters, and an amusing scene ensu-rs, ivhen _he accepts their proposal to become students in her university. They are subsequently recognised by Lady Psyche, who is Florian's sister, their interview is overheard by Melissa, and the secret eventually becomes known to Lady Blanche, who con£euta to concc'il it, so that Hilarion may wia the princess, and leave her in possession of the supremo authority. The intoxication of Cyril during an al fresco luncheon reveals their identity to the princess, who, incensed at the discovery, runs on to the bridge calling to tho rest to follow, loses her balance and falls into the stream. She is rescued by Hilarion, but r-ersists in condemning the intruders to

death. At this juncture a forced entrance is n ade by Hilbebrand and his army. The last act discloses the outer walls and the courtyard of the castle, with the princess and her ladies arrayed as Amazons ; but their courage soon evaporates, aud instead of giving battle, the princess consents to a, combat between Hilarion and his friends and her three brothers, to decide the matter. Hilarion is victorious, and the princees yields. Lady Payche and Melissa are each claimed respectively by Cyril and FJorian, and amid general rejoicings the curtain falls.