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Act One
In Moscow’s Red Square, the Streltsy sentry Kuz'ka has fallen asleep on his watch. His fellow soldiers wake him.

The Boyar Shaklovity dictates a letter to a scribe, denouncing the Khovanskys. Moscow citizens force the scribe to read a notice listing penalties imposed by the Streltsy on the nobility. They regret that punishing the rich does not help the poor.

Ivan Khovansky promises to overthrow the Boyars surrounding the regent Sofia, who he regards as corrupt. The people support him, under coercion.

Khovansky’s son Andrei tries to kidnap a young woman, Emma, but his former lover Marfa prevents him.

Ivan Khovansky demands Emma for himself, but Andrei countermands his orders. Dosifei, the leader of the Old Believers, intervenes in their quarrel and hands Emma over to Marfa for her own safety. He urges Khovansky to support the Old Believers and prays for Russia’s spiritual wellbeing.

Act Two
Golitsyn reads a love letter from the regent Sofia, and wonders if he can trust her.

Marfa tells Golitsyn’s fortune, predicting disgrace and exile.

Golitsyn sends Marfa away and, fearful that she will spread rumours of his impending downfall, orders his servant to drown her.

Ivan Khovansky quarrels with Golitsyn over the Boyars’ rights and privileges, which Golitsyn’s reforms curtailed.

Dosifei recounts how he renounced his princely titles and possessions, and asks the two Khovanskys to join him in restoring the old beliefs and practices.

Marfa tells how she was attacked (by Golitsyn’s servant) but rescued by Peter’s troops.

Shaklovity announces that Peter is acting on a denunciation (his own, sent anonymously) to rein in
the over-powerful Khovanskys.

INTERVAL


Act Three
Old Believers sing. Marfa laments the loss of her lover, Andrei Khovansky. Susanna, a fellow Old Believer, scolds her for her sinful passion.

Dosifei curbs Susanna’s hysteria. Marfa tells him of her love for Andrei and her wish to die with him. Dosifei tells her to be patient.

Shaklovity contemplates Russia’s history and the malign role of the Streltsy.

The Streltsy wake up with hangovers and look around for more drink, while their wives curse their uncouth behaviour.

Kuz'ka sings about how gossip spreads.

The scribe brings news of mercenary soldiers marching on the Streltsy quarters.The Streltsy appeal to Khovansky for help but he is no longer able to fight Peter. They pray for deliverance.

Act Four, Part One
Khovansky is on his estate, waiting for news.

Golitsyn sends a warning but Khovansky ignores it and calls for his Persian slave to dance for him.

Shaklovity brings a summons: the regent Sofia requests his counsel. As Khovansky dresses for the meeting, Shaklovity stabs him to death.


Act Four, Part Two
Moscow citizens observe Golitsyn going into exile.

Dosifei reflects on the fate of Golitsyn and Khovansky. When Marfa reveals that Peter will move against the Old Believers, he and Marfa decide to immolate themselves.

Andrei confronts Marfa about Emma; the girl has been sent across the border, out of his reach.

When Andrei attempts to summon the Streltsy, they appear bearing instruments for their own execution. His power base has vanished. Marfa offers Andrei asylum amongst the Old Believers.

The Streltsy pray for God’s mercy but their wives insist that they should be executed.

Peter’s guard proclaims a pardon for the Streltsy.

Act Five
Dosifei prepares his followers for death. Marfa leads Andrei to the place of immolation.

The Old Believers, led by Dosifei, commit mass suicide.