Billy Budd

John Dexter’s brilliant production of Britten’s searing opera stars Dwayne Croft in the title role of the handsome young sailor whose kindness and innocence cause his downfall. The great James Morris is Claggart, master-at-arms on the 18th-century warship Indomitable, who falsely accuses Billy of inciting a mutiny. Philip Langridge sings Captain Vere, the honest commander who knows that Billy is innocent but finds himself unable to save him. Steuart Bedford, Britten’s close collaborator during the last years of the composer’s life, is on the podium.

Cast

Philip Langridge

Captain Vere

Dwayne Croft

Billy Budd

James Morris

Claggart

Julien Robbins

Lieutenant Ratcliffe

Anthony Dean Griffey

Arthur Jones

Paul Plishka

Dansker

Thomas Hammons

Bosun

James Courtney

Mr. Flint