大象传媒

Egypt, during the reign of the pharaohs.听At the royal palace in Memphis, the high priest Ramfis tells the warrior Radam猫s that Ethiopia is preparing another attack against Egypt. Radam猫s hopes to command his army. He is in love with Aida, the Ethiopian slave of Princess Amneris, the king鈥檚 daughter, and he believes that victory in the war would enable him to free her and marry her. But Amneris loves Radam猫s, and when the three meet, she jealously senses his feelings for Aida. A messenger tells the King of Egypt and the assembled priests and soldiers that the Ethiopians are advancing. The king names Radam猫s to lead the army, and all join in a patriotic anthem. Left alone, Aida is torn between her love for Radam猫s and loyalty to her native country, where her father, Amonasro, is king. She prays to the gods for mercy.

In the temple of Vulcan, the priests consecrate Radam猫s to the service of the god. Ramfis orders him to protect the homeland.

Ethiopia has been defeated, and Amneris waits for the triumphant return of Radam猫s. When Aida approaches, the princess sends away her other attendants so that she can learn her slave鈥檚 private feelings. She first pretends that Radam猫s has fallen in battle, then says he is still alive. Aida鈥檚 reactions leave no doubt that she loves Radam猫s. Amneris, certain she will be victorious over her rival, leaves for the triumphal procession.

At the city gates the king and Amneris observe the celebrations and crown Radam猫s with a victor鈥檚 wreath. Captured Ethiopians are led in. Among them is Amonasro, Aida鈥檚 father, who signals his daughter not to reveal his identity as king. Radam猫s is impressed by Amonasro鈥檚 eloquent plea for mercy and asks for the death sentence on the prisoners to be overruled and for them to be freed. The king grants his request but keeps Amonasro in custody. The king declares that as a victor鈥檚 reward, Radam猫s will have Amneris鈥檚 hand in marriage.

On the eve of Amneris鈥檚 wedding, Ramfis and Amneris enter a temple on the banks of the Nile to pray. Aida, who is waiting for Radam猫s, is lost in thoughts of her homeland. Amonasro suddenly appears. Invoking Aida鈥檚 sense of duty, he makes her agree to find out from Radam猫s which route the Egyptian army will take to invade Ethiopia. Amonasro hides as Radam猫s arrives and assures Aida of his love. They dream about their future life together, and Radam猫s agrees to run away with her. Aida asks him about his army鈥檚 route, and just as he reveals the secret, Amonasro emerges from his hiding place. When he realizes that Amonasro is the Ethiopian king, Radam猫s is horrified by what he has done. While Aida and Amonasro try to calm him, Ramfis and Amneris step out of the temple. Father and daughter are able to escape, but Radam猫s surrenders to the priests.

听

Radam猫s awaits trial as a traitor, believing Aida to be dead. Even after he learns that she has survived, he rejects an offer by Amneris to save him if he renounces Aida. When he is brought before the priests, he refuses to answer their accusations and is condemned to be buried alive. Amneris begs for mercy, but the judges will not change their verdict. She curses the priests.

Aida has hidden in the vault to share Radam猫s鈥檚 fate. They express their love for the last time while Amneris, in the temple above, prays for Radam猫s鈥檚 soul.