The Setting of Aida
Ancient Egypt
Synopsis of Aida
ACT I
Scene 1: A hall in the palace of the King of Egypt
Outside of the royal palace, Ram s informs Radames that armies from Ethiopia are making their
way towards the Nile valley. Radames expresses his hope of being appointed the commander of
Egypt’s army where he can lead his troops to victory, as well as rescue Aida, his Ethiopian lover
captured by Egyptian troops.
Unbeknownst to all, Aida is the daughter of Ethiopia’s king, Amonasro. Since her capture, Aida has
served as a slave to the Egyptian King’s daughter, Amneris. Amneris is in love Radames, but she
senses he is in love with another woman. Amneris soon learns the identity of the mystery woman
when she sees longing glances shared between Radames and Aida. Amneris masks her jealousy and
keeps Aida as her slave.
The King of Egypt arrives and announces that Ethiopian troops, lead by the King of Ethiopia, have
already made their way into Thebes. The King of Egypt declares war on Ethiopia and appoints
Radames as the leader of the army.
An overjoyed Radames goes to the temple to complete his coronation ritual. Left alone in the
hall, Aida becomes distraught as she is forced to choose between her Egyptian lover and her father
and country.
Scene 2: Inside the Temple of Vulcan
In the dark halls of the Temple of Vulcan, sacred weapons are given to Radames and all pray for his
victory in battle. The priestesses perform a sacred dance. As the scene ends, Radames joins the
priests in other rituals.
——— INTERMISSION ———
ACT II
Scene 1: The chamber of Amneris
After their victorious battle, Radames and his troops return from Thebes. Inside her chambers,
Amneris, suspicious of Aida and Radames, decides to test Aida. She dismisses all her slaves except
for Aida and tells her that Radames has died in battle. Aida breaks down in tears and confesses her
love for Radames. Infuriated, Amneris vows revenge.
Scene 2: The grand gate of the city of Thebes
Radames makes his triumphant return, marching through the city with his troops, while the
captured Ethiopians trail behind. Aida sees her captured father and rushes to his side. He makes her
promise not to reveal their true identities.
The King of Egypt, so delighted with Radames’ victory, offers to grant him anything he asks for.
Before Radames can make his request, Amonasro declares that the King of Ethiopia was killed in
battle and asks the Egyptian king to set them free.
The people of Egypt, however, join in chant asking for the death of the Ethiopians. The King decides
to grant their desires. To save his lover’s life, Radames asks the King of Egypt to spare the lives of
the Ethiopians. The King agrees and declares Radames his successor and future husband of Amneris.
Aida and her father are taken into custody to prevent any Ethiopian revolt.
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