A Midsummer Night’s Dream, that stardust tale of quixotic desire, has been expressed in many forms, none more delightful than ballet. Frederick Ashton’s version, The Dream, has a Victorian look and partakes of English theater traditions. Premiered in 1964, the roles of Titania and Oberon were danced by Antoinette Sibley and Anthony Dowell, a classical partnership of 60s chic. The ballet was underrated at the time (oh how we take greatness for granted), but it is today beloved for its wit and humanity. This performance, recorded in 2017, stars Royal principals Akane Takada as Titania and Steven McRae as Oberon. Also featured are Valentino Zucchetti as Puck and Bennet Gartside as Bottom. The music is Mendelssohn. —L.J.

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