"Bentley’s libretto is based on Frank O’Connor’s translation of the celebrated 1780 Gaelic poem by Brian Merriman (1749-1805), a work surprisingly contemporary in its frank discussion of women’s sexual needs and how men fail to meet them.  In Bentley’s adaptation Merriman himself becomes the opera’s central figure who falls asleep on a midsummer...

A young couple celebrates their recent engagement in the Sloans pub, only to be interrupted by a drunk whose 24-year marriage has just ended. The drunk leaves his wedding ring, and, sensing an opportunity, the young couple takes it.

On the first warm spring day in the mountains, Olaf, a rich farmer, proposes to Runa, a poor farmer, only to discover that she is in love with the bandit Davith. Angered by this, Olaf burns down Runa's farm, and Runa escapes up the mountain searching for Davith.

A short scene, sampling the wedding scene where Elaine screams for Ben.

On the wedding day of the young couple from the first scene, the now-sober old man arrives with a surprise: his wife. And they want their ring back.

An old drunk recounts his failed marriage.

In bed, Rafique and Noor separately wonder how to get out of their situation.

Noor tells the lie Jaan asked of her to Rafique. Rafique sends her away and tries to figure out what he should do.

The wedding ceremony. Noor hesitates, then marries Rafique.

Jaan, who is dying, asks her sister Noor to secretely take her place on her wedding day. Noor reluctantly agrees.

Jason and Dahlia are getting married. The citizens gossip.

George and his wife Martha have three very different versions of a difficult conversation over breakfast.