Billy Budd (1993)

PROLOGUE

Many years after the event, Captain Edward Fairfax Vere is still haunted by the death of Billy Budd.

ACT ONE

1797. The main deck of the Indomitable, a ship of war ruled by stern discipline, extreme privation, and- in this case-some kindness. Among the men taken by the press-gang is Billy Budd, whose enthusiasm, strength and innocence catch the attention of Claggart, the master-at-arms, who is nicknamed ‘Jemmy-Legs” (an old naval term for that rank) by the crew. At the ship’s muster, Billy leads the crew’s praise of Captain Vere.

ACT TWO

Later, in the Captain’s quarters. It is the time of the French Revolution; the officers are haunted by memories of recent mutinies. Below decks, Claggart, who cannot tolerate in others the virtue he cannot himself possess, begins a campaign to destroy Billy Budd

INTERMISSION

ACT THREE

The mist prevents the Indomitable from attacking a French frigate. To Vere, Claggart privately accuses Billy of planning mutiny. Vere does not believe Claggart and insists that he accuse Billy to his face. Billy, unable to find the words to defend himself, strikes out at Claggart and kills him. At the court-martial, the officers are prepared to excuse Billy’s action as self-defense, but the fear of mutiny forces them to set an example. Aware of injustice, they appeal to Vere who will not speak up in Billy’s defense. He goes to announce the Court’s decision to the prisoner.

ACT FOUR

Billy, condemned to death, has accepted Vere’s explanation with fortitude. He urges Dansker to prevent his shipmates from rising in his defense. Before he is hanged from the yardarm, he blesses Captain Vere

EPILOGUE

Vere knows he could have saved Billy, whose blessing has haunted him all his life. At last he finds some resolution.