The Setting of The Pearl Fishers
Ceylon, ancient times
Synopsis of The Pearl Fishers
ACT I – a beach
Fishermen gather and dance on the beach. Zurga interrupts the revels to remind everyone that the time
has come for them to choose a king. The group chooses Zurga himself, and all declare their allegiance to
him. Everyone is astonished at the arrival of Nadir, Zurga’s dear friend, who has returned unexpectedly
after years of adventures. There is tension in the air. When he and Zurga are alone, the two recall their
last trip together: they had reached the gates of Candi when they saw a beautiful woman at the temple of
Brahma. Both of them fell in love with her at first sight, but they swore to forget her for the sake of their
friendship. Now they swear again to remain friends.
Nourabad, the High Priest of Brahma, and his fellow priests bring a veiled young woman before Zurga.
She is about to follow the old custom: once a year, a veiled virgin is chosen to pray for the protection of
the pearl fishers for a day and a night. If she remains faithful to the law and is seen by no one, her reward
will be the most beautiful pearl the fishermen can find. If she disobeys, she will die. The young woman
is shocked to recognize Nadir, and when he hears her voice, he believes it may well be that of Leïla,
whom he and Zurga had promised each other to forget. Zurga notices Leïla’s sudden apprehension, but
she recovers her composure. Everyone leaves for the temple except Nadir, who reflects on his beautiful
memory of Leïla. He recalls that, even after he and Zurga had made their vow, he saw Leïla again and
was captivated.
Leïla lifts her voice in a prayer to Brahma, mesmerizing Nadir as he watches her from below. As she
sings, Nadir realizes that it is Leïla and calls to her. Equally rapturous upon recognizing him, she
continues to sing, but now her soaring melody is meant for Nadir alone.
——— INTERMISSION ———
ACT II – the ruins of an Indian temple
Nourabad informs Leïla that the priests will be keeping watch, which will allow her to sleep peacefully.
Leïla recalls the vow she made years before. She tells the priest that, when she was a child, a fugitive
once came to her family’s hut begging for help. She hid him, and in so doing, saved his life. His enemies
appeared, threatening to kill her, but she said nothing. When night fell, the man fled, but not before giving
her his necklace. Nourabad reiterates that riches, glory and happiness will all be hers if she keeps her vow.
Alone with her thoughts, Leïla seems to sense Nadir’s presence. As in the past, she can feel him watching
over her. She is ecstatic to hear him serenading her in the distance. When Nadir appears, Leïla becomes
apprehensive, but Nadir, who confesses that he could not keep away from her, ardently declares his love.
A storm approaches. They do not notice Nourabad watching them. Upon seeing the two together, the
High Priest rushes away in a rage.
The lovers promise to see each other the next day. A shot is heard. Nourabad, the other priests and the
pearl fishers appear at the temple. Nadir escapes, only to be captured again. The crowd is about to strike
him when Zurga rushes in and orders them to stop, since it is he alone who will decide the pair’s fate. He
whispers to the two that they should flee immediately. The furious Nourabad tears off Leïla’s veil, and
Zurga instantly recognizes her. Now his concern turns to fury, and he proclaims that only misfortune will
await both Leïla and Nadir. When a violent storm breaks out, the pearl fishers kneel and pray to Brahma
for protection.
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