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Aida
Setting: The cities of Thebes and Memphis in Egypt, during the dynasty of the Pharaohs.
Act I. Scene 1: Great Hall of the royal palace at Memphis. Radames learns from the high priest, Ramfis, that Ethiopia soon may bring war to the Nile valley. The young officer hopes he will be chosen as commander of the army, envisioning triumph so he can free his beloved Aida, who is an Ethiopian slave of the proud Princess Amneris. Amneris, who herself loves Radames, jealously senses his feelings for Aida when the three meet. A procession led by the King arrives to confirm that the Ethiopians are advancing on Thebes. He appoints the jubilant Radames as Egyptian commander, at which shouts of victory fill the air. Left alone, Aida is torn between her love for Radames and for her native land, where she is not a slave but a princess, the daughter of King Amonasro of Ethiopia. She prays to the gods for mercy.
Scene 2: Temple of Phtha. In the temple, as priestesses chant the praises of Phtha, priests consecrate Radames’ sword in a sacred ritual.
Act II. Scene 1: Terrace of Amneris’ chamber in the palace. Ethiopia has been defeated. Princess Amneris, entertained by slaves, prepares for Radames’ triumphal entry into Thebes. When Aida approaches, the princess dismisses her other attendants and tries to learn Aida’s private thoughts and feelings about Radames. She first pretends Radames is dead and then reveals he is still alive. Certain from Aida’s horrified, then joyful reactions that her slave loves Radames, Amneris leaves for the festivities. Aida reiterates her prayers.
Scene 2: Gate of Thebes. At the city gates victory is celebrated in parade and dance, observed by the King and Amneris. Radames is borne in and crowned with a victor’s wreath. Captured Ethiopians follow; among them is Amonasro, Aida’s father, who signals her not to betray his identity as king. Impressed by Amonasro’s eloquent plea, Radames asks as his reward that the priests’ death sentence on the prisoners be overruled and that they be freed. The King grants this, as well as Amneris’ hand, but keeps Amonasro in custody.
Act III. Banks of the Nile. On a moonlit bank of the Nile, Amneris is led by Ramfis to a temple of Isis for a wedding vigil. Nearby, waiting for Radames, Aida is overcome with nostalgia for her homeland. Amonasro suddenly appears and preys on these feelings, forcing his daughter to agree to ask Radames where the Egyptian army plans to enter Ethiopia. This she does when Radames appears, ardent with dreams of their future life together. Just as he reveals the military secret, Amonasro steps out of hiding, and Ramfis and Amneris come forth from the temple. While Aida escapes with her father, Radames surrenders to the priests as a traitor.
Act IV. Scene 1: Judgment Hall in the palace. In a temple of judgment, awaiting trial, Radames is unmoved by Amneris’ offer to save him if he will marry her and renounce Aida. When he is led away, Amneris’ pride dissolves, her love for Radames revealed by her agony in hearing him condemned to death. Enraged, the princess curses the judges.
Scene 2: Temple of Vulcan, with vault below. Buried alive in a crypt, Radames is joined by Aida, who has hidden there to share his fate. The lovers bid farewell to earth as Amneris, above the tomb, prays for peace. |
