LYSANDER: Ay me! for aught that I could ever read,
Could ever hear by tale or history,
The course of true love never did run smooth.
HERMIA: If then true lovers have been ever cross'd,
It stands as an edict in destiny:
Act I, Scene 1 — The Course of True Love — A Midsummer Night's Dream
Hermia and Lysander lament the difficulties of their forbidden love before Lysander proposes a plan to flee Athens and marry in secret at his aunt's house. They exchange vows of loyalty and agree to meet in the woods the following night.
Format: Duologue · Genre: Comedy · Source: A Midsummer Night's Dream · Author: William Shakespeare · Characters: Hermia, Lysander
About This Scene
This duologue from Act I, Scene 1 of William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream immediately throws Hermia and Lysander into the throes of romantic despair and strategic planning. Their dialogue, rich with classical poetic language, establishes the central conflict of forbidden love, setting the stage for their desperate measure to find happiness. The scene quickly shifts from lamenting their fate to forging a secret plan for elopement, showcasing both their vulnerability and their unwavering devotion to one another.
Character Analysis
Hermia, an ingenue, navigates the intense pressures of a love declared illicit by her father and the Athenian law. Her lines reveal a character grappling with injustice and a desire for agency in her own romantic choices, embodying both a passionate spirit and a need for a solution. Lysander, a romantic lead, offers a blend of poetic resignation to love's difficulties and a determined practicality in formulating an escape plan. He is charming and unwavering in his loyalty, presenting himself as a steadfast partner in the face of adversity.
Why This Works for Auditions
This scene is an excellent choice for auditions as it provides ample opportunity to showcase a wide range of emotions within a compact two-minute timeframe. Audition panels can observe the actor's ability to handle classical text, convey authentic vulnerability, and demonstrate a clear character arc from despair to hopeful determination. The high stakes of forbidden love and the subsequent plotting demand nuanced performances, allowing actors to display their understanding of subtext and emotional depth.
Best Suited For
This duologue is ideally suited for actors aged 18-25, particularly those aiming for drama school auditions, general practice, or competitions. It is perfect for performers who can embody romantic leads, ingenue types, or characters capable of displaying significant vulnerability and natural charm. While written for a male and female, the gender of the performers is flexible, making it accessible for any two actors who connect with the tone and characters.
Performance Tips
When approaching this scene, focus on internalizing the poetic language so that it feels natural and immediate, rather than recited. Emphasize the shared despair between Hermia and Lysander, allowing their connection to inform your delivery of their lines. Pay close attention to the shift in energy when Lysander proposes his plan; Hermia's reaction, whether hopeful, skeptical, or resolved, should be clearly articulated through changes in vocal tone and physicality. Remember the underlying vulnerability even as they make their brave decision, highlighting the significant risks they are undertaking for their love.