AIDA

Time & Place: An alternative modern Egypt where the Pharaohs never fell.

ACT 1

In a temple in the Egyptian capital of Memphis, the high priest Ramfis informs Radamès, a young captain of the guard, that Ethiopia is posing a threat to the Nile Valley. Radamès hopes that the goddess Isis will choose him to be the leader of the Egyptian army, believing that a victory over the Ethiopians would enable him to free his secret love, Aida, the Ethiopian slave of the king’s daughter, Amneris. Amneris, who also loves Radamès, joins him and, seeing how he looks at Aida, suspects he is in love with her.

Together, they travel to the Pharoah’s court, learning that Amonasro is leading the Ethiopian army against Egypt. Radamès is appointed leader of the Egyptian army, and he leads his men in singing a battle hymn. Amneris is echoed by her people as she cries, “Ritorna Vincitor!” or “Return Victorious!” Aida is stunned to hear herself repeat these words and is left to contemplate her conflict of loyalty, deciding what to do next. Although her captors do not know it, she is Amonasro’s daughter, the Princess of Ethiopia, and now her lover will be engaged in battle with her father. She abandons the ceremony for her secret hideout where she has gathered bomb making tools with her fellow slaves, while Ramfis and his priests ask the gods to deliver victory in battle for Radamès.

ACT 2

Radamès is successful in winning the battle. While awaiting his return, Amneris is attended to and entertained by her slaves. To determine if Aida does indeed love Radamès, Amneris tells her slave that he was slain in battle. Aida’s sorrowful response reveals her secret love. Amneris reveals that Radamès is alive, but then threatens her, warning Aida to keep her place as a slave and ignore her feelings for Radamès. Aida nearly confesses her royal identity, but instead, pleads for mercy. Radamès is crowned victor by Amneris and his prisoners are led in, among them Aida’s father, Amonasro, disguised. He warns Aida not to give away his royal identity and proceeds to plead for mercy for the lives of his fellow people. Ramfis and the priests demand the prisoners be killed, but Radamès asks for the prisoners’ freedom to be his reward. Ramfis suggests that all but Aida’s father be released. The King agrees and gives Radamès the hand of Amneris as his reward for victory.

ACT 3

Amneris is led by Ramfis to a temple of Isis on the bank of the Nile to receive the goddess’ blessing on the eve of her wedding. With Amneris gone, Aida waits by Amneris’ phone for his call. Her thoughts are interrupted by the appearance of her father, who has learned of her love for Radamès. He demands her to betray Radamès by tricking him into revealing the intended route of the Egyptian army’s entry into Ethiopia. She refuses, even as he scolds her loyalties, reminding her of what the Egyptians have done to her beloved homeland. Unaware of Amonasro’s presence, Radamès calls Aida, declaring that he will marry her after his next victory. She instead insists that they run away together to Ethiopia, and hearing his willingness to defect, asks which route they will take. Upon hearing the Egyptian plan, Amonasro exclaims victory is near, revealing that he is actually the King of Ethiopia and that Radamès will be welcome. Radamès is horrified by his unwitting act of treason. While Aida and Amonasro try to reassure him, Amneris discovers them, declaring that Radamès must be a traitor. Amonasro lunges at Amneris with a drawn dagger but is held back by Aida as guards enter. She covers their escape as Radamès cries for them to flee, before surrendering to the priests at his door.

ACT 4

Radamès is sent to the temple of judgment where Amneris offers him a chance to save himself. He refuses, preferring death. Amneris listens as the priests ask him three times to defend himself against the charges. Radamès remains silent and is condemned to death. Amneris, appalled at the consequences of her jealousy, curses their need for revenge that has killed an innocent man. Buried alive in a tomb beneath the temple, Radamès’ last thoughts are of Aida. Suddenly, she appears in the tomb, having slipped in earlier to die with him. Radamès fails at a final attempt to remove the stone holding them in the chamber and, resigned to their fate, the lovers bid farewell to the earth. Radamès faces death with Aida, while above Amneris prays for peace.