Last performed spring 2000
Synopsis | Smart Guide
| Program
Synopsis
Act I – The Pharaoh's palace at Memphis
Ramphis, the high priest, is on his way to inform the Pharaoh of the general whom the goddess Isis has chosen to lead the Egyptians against the Ethiopians. Radames hopes to be appointed and expresses his love for Aida. Amneris appears and questions him guardedly, hoping that she is the object of his love. Aida enters, and Amneris begins to suspect that they are in love. The Pharaoh enters with his court, and a messenger arrives with a report that the Ethiopians are approaching the city. The Pharaoh announces that Radames has been chosen leader of the army. Torn between loyalty to her father Amonasro, the king of Ethiopia, and her love for Radames, Aida entreats the gods to let her die.
Act II, Scene 1 – A hall in the apartments of Amneris
Amneris, still tormented by doubt and suspicion, sends for Aida. She leads Aida to believe that Radames has been killed in battle. Aida gives a cry of anguish, at which Amneris exclaims that Radames lives and that she herself, "the daughter of the Pharaohs," is Aida's rival. Aida begs for mercy and pity, but Amneris can speak only hate and vengeance. Amneris leaves, instructing her slave to attend her at the triumphal ceremonies.
Act II, Scene 2 – A public square in the city of Thebes
Preceded by the triumphal entry of the Egyptian armies, Radames appears before the Pharaoh and the jubilant crowd. The Ethiopian captives are brought in with Amonasro, dressed as an officer, among them. Aida rushes to her father, who urges her not to betray his identity. Summoned before the Pharaoh, Amonasro declares that the king of the Ethiopians is dead and begs for mercy for the captives. Radames asks for the life and liberty of the captives. The Pharaoh gives in to Radames' wishes, but Ramphis succeeds in having Aida and Amonasro retained as hostages. In token of Egypt's gratitude, Radames is given the hand of Amneris in marriage.
Act III – Temple of Isis on the bank of the Nile
On the eve of her wedding, Amneris comes to worship in the Temple of Isis, bringing her slave, Aida. After they have entered the temple, Aida slips out to await Radames. She despairs of ever seeing her homeland again, but she is joined by Amonasro, who raises her hopes for a blissful future with her beloved. He tells Aida that the Ethiopians are ready to attack Egypt and that she must ask Radames the route by which the Egyptians plan their attack. Aida refuses her father's wishes, but his rage and his appeal to her loyalty crush her resistance. As Radames approaches, Amonasro hides. Radames professes his love, and Aida asks him to prove it by fleeing with her to Ethiopia. Radames reluctantly agrees and tells her the way by which they can escape. Amonasro steps out from hiding, revealing himself as the king of Ethiopia, and Radames realizes too late that he has been tricked into revealing a vital secret. Amneris and Ramphis emerge from the temple, and Aida and her father escape as Radames, broken by his betrayal, remains to yield himself to the high priest.
Act IV, Scene 1 – Hall of Judgment in the Pharaoh's palace
Amneris, torn between love and hatred for Radames, urges him to defend himself and offers to seek her father's intercession. Radames rejects her advice, preferring death to life without love and honor. The priests assemble in the subterranean hall to pass sentence on Radames. The voice of Ramphis pronounces sentence: Radames is to be buried alive beneath the Temple of Phtah.
Act IV, Scene 2 – Tomb under the Temple of Phtah
In the sealed tomb Radames is joined by Aida, who had hidden there earlier. While the priests and priestesses chant their ritual, the lovers are united in death. Over their tomb Amneris, repentant and disconsolate, weeps and prays to Isis.