True love takes the stage at the marriage of Theseus, Duke of Athens, and Hipployta, as the fairies of the forest interfere with the lives of mortals attending the wedding feast. Although betrothed to Demetrius, Hermia is in love with Lysander and must choose between bowing to her father's wishes or a life of chastity. But Helena is in love with Demetrius, who only has eyes for Hermia. At the same time, Oberon, king of the fairies, seeks to punish his wife Titania using a love potion, as the realms of mortals and fairies collide on one magical midsummer night. Known as "The Bard of Avon," William Shakespeare is arguably the greatest English-language writer known. Enormously popular during his life, Shakespeare's works continue to resonate more than three centuries after his death, as has his influence on theatre and literature. Shakespeare's innovative use of character, language, and experimentation with romance as tragedy served as a foundation for later playwrights and dramatists, and some of his most famous lines of dialogue have become part of everyday speech.