About "Aida"
Verdi's "Aida" is one of the most popular operas of all time. It premiered at La Scala in 1872, and was an immediate commercial success. The plot of "Aida" is filled with political intrigue, love, betrayal, passion, and vengeance, and has captivated audiences for generations. Franco Zeffirelli brings his trademark extravagance this production, which features an ensemble of over 300 actors, singers and dancers. This performance was rewarded with a 13-minute ovation at the conclusion of the opera.
ACT I
Garden of the Royal Palace at Memphis. The high priest, Ramfis, announces to Radames, Captain of the Royal Guard, that the Ethiopians are revolting. Radames hopes he will be chosen to lead the Egyptian forces, and thus claim Aida (the favorite slave of Princess Amneris and, unbeknownst to the Egyptians, the Ethiopian king's daughter) as his reward. Although Aida and Radames are in love, Aida is still fearful for her kinsmen and especially for King Amonasro, her father. Furthermore, Princess Amneris is in love with Radames, although the feelings are not returned. When Radames joyfully accepts the job of leading the charge against the Ethiopians, Amneris and Aida both rush to the temple to bless his journey-although Aida's loyalty is torn between her homeland and the man she loves.
ACT II
The Ethiopians have been defeated, and Radames is returning to Thebes. Amneris tricks her slave Aida into indirectly revealing her love for Radames, which makes the princess jealous.
Radames makes a triumphant entrance to the city, with a procession of newly captured prisoners, including Aida's father, King Amonasro. Amonasro makes an eloquent plea on behalf of his people, but does not reveal his noble title. Radames is moved by his speech, and requests that as his reward, the Ethiopian prisoners not be put to death. The King grants Radames' wish, and also gives Amneris' hand in marriage.
INTERMISSION
ACT III
It is night, near a temple where Amneris and the high priest Ramfis prepare for the princess' wedding to Radames. Amonasro orders his daughter to learn from Radames the secret of his military plans against the Ethiopians. As Aida obtains the information from Radames, Amneris and Ramfis appear. They have overheard his act of treason. Ramades is taken prisoner by the imperial guards as Aida escapes with her father.
ACT IV
Radames is on trail for treason, and his life is at stake. Amneris offers him a bargain: if he will renounce Aida and accept her love, he will be freed. He refuses, uninterested in a life without Aida. He is then sentenced to be buried alive in a vault underneath the temple. Amneris is horrified; although Radames has rejected her, she still loves him, but his fate is sealed. Aida joins Radames voluntarily in the tomb, sharing his tragic fate.
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