Music by George Bizet

Opera in 2 acts

Libretto by Eugene Cormon and Michel Carre

CREDITS

Musical Director: Marko Boemi (Italy)

Stage Director: Vernon Maund (Great Britain)

Set Design by  Paul Edwards (Great Britain)

Costume Design by  Emma Rajet (Great Britain)

Choreography by Shamita Rej (India)

Chorus master: Nuriya Dzhuraeva

2003 PRODUCTION


Summary

Act 1
A wild seashore on the island of Ceylon, with the ruins of a temple in the background. A gathering of fishermen choose Zurga as their leader. Nadir, a young fisherman, arrives. Zurga and Nadir recall the time when they were both fascinated by the beauty of a young woman, but swore to renounce her and remain friends forever. The veiled priestess Leila arrives by boat, for a vigil of prayer for the safety of the fishermen. Nadir recognizes her as the woman he and Zurga once loved. She also recognizes Nadir, but Zurga remains unaware. Zurga and the chorus go off. Nadir confesses he has followed Leïla here because he loves her. When Leila's incantation to Siva is interrupted by Nadir, they declare their love.

Act 2
The ruins of an Indian temple at night. Leila sings of her joy . Nadir arrives and the lovers are reunited. They are caught by Nourabad and the guards, and the couple is about to be killed by the angry crowd, when Zurga, in his capacity of their leader, intervenes. When Nourabad then unveils Leila, Zurga also recognizes her: his mercy turns to rage and he condems both of them to death.

Act 3
Zurga sings of his agony. Leila has requested a meeting with Zurga. They both deplore their distress, but when Zurga realises Leïla loves Nadir, he becomes even more jealous. While the high priest and the fishermen lead away the victims, Zurga realises that Leila is the woman who once saved his life, recognizing a necklace he gave her. While Nadir is praying that he may save Leïla, she is led in by Nourabad and some men. At dawn, when they raise their daggers to kill the couple, Zurga intervenes and stops them. He has set fire to the camp, and while all rush off to fight the fire, he allows the two lovers to escape. When the high priest returns and discovers Zurga's plot, he orders him to be killed.