aida | Giuseppe Verdi

ACT I 

In ancient Egypt, during the era of the pharaohs, the high priest Ramfis informs the warrior Radamès at the royal palace in Memphis that Ethiopia is threatening another invasion. Radamès dreams of leading the Egyptian forces to victory, not just for glory but to secure freedom for Aida, an enslaved Ethiopian who serves Princess Amneris, the pharaoh’s daughter. Radamès is unaware that Amneris harbors her own love for him and suspects Aida of being her romantic rival.  

News of the Ethiopian advance arrives, and the pharaoh appoints Radamès as commander of the Egyptian army. As preparations for war begin, Aida finds herself in a painful conflict between her love for Radamès and her loyalty to Ethiopia, her homeland, where her father, Amonasro, is king. In the temple of Vulcan, Radamès is consecrated to the god Ptah, with Ramfis charging him to protect Egypt.  

 ACT II  

The Egyptian army triumphs over Ethiopia. In her private chambers, Amneris eagerly awaits Radamès’s victorious return. She manipulates Aida by feigning news of Radamès’s death and then revealing that he lives, confirming her suspicion that Aida is in love with him.  

At the city gates, the pharaoh and Amneris celebrate the victory. Ethiopian prisoners, including Amonasro, are paraded before them. Amonasro discreetly signals Aida not to reveal his royal identity. His impassioned plea for clemency moves Radamès, who persuades the pharaoh to spare the prisoners. Although Amonasro remains in custody, the other captives are freed. To honor Radamès’s victory, the pharaoh announces that he will marry Amneris.  

ACT III  

On the night before her wedding to Radamès, Amneris prays with Ramfis at a temple near the Nile. Close by, Aida waits for Radamès, lost in sorrowful memories of her homeland. Her father, Amonasro, appears and demands that she discover the path the Egyptian army will take in its next campaign. Reluctantly, Aida agrees.  

When Radamès arrives, the two lovers dream of escaping together. Aida gently coaxes him into revealing the route of the Egyptian forces. As soon as he speaks, Amonasro emerges from hiding. Horrified at his unintentional betrayal, Radamès realizes the gravity of his mistake. Before the trio can flee, Ramfis and Amneris appear. Amonasro and Aida manage to escape, but Radamès surrenders himself to the high priest’s guards.  

 ACT IV  

Imprisoned and awaiting trial for treason, Radamès believes Aida has perished. Amneris offers him a chance to live if he renounces Aida, but he refuses. During his trial, Radamès remains silent in the face of the priests’ accusations and is sentenced to death by live burial. Amneris pleads for mercy, but her appeals are ignored.  

Unbeknownst to Radamès, Aida has hidden in the burial chamber to share his fate. The lovers reunite and express their devotion as they await death together. Above them, in the temple, Amneris prays for peace and forgiveness.