- Having led a series of victorious campaigns against rival territories, a warrior wins the hand of a Brahmin priestess. But when his true caste is brought to light, he risks losing more than just his bride. Based on a play by Casimir Delavigne, Stanislaw Moniuszko's final opera is rarely performed. Poznan Opera presents it in this new production directed by Graham Vick to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the composer's birth.
- Prologue
Idamore, a brave chief who has only recently won a war, confides in his friend Ratef. Idamore is in love with the priestess Neala, daughter of the High Priest Akebar. The secret conversation between the friends is interrupted by a sudden uproar: a pariah has entered the area of the sacred grove. He has broken the law - no 'untouchable' person can ever enter it - and his penalty for such an act is death. The angry crowd chases the pariah while Idamore alone stands in his defence.
Act I
Neala also loves Idamore but they both know that their feelings are at odds with the rules of the caste system. The High Priest Akebar gathers the priests in the temple. He warns them that the warrior caste is gaining more and more support among the people and wants to deprive the priests of their power. Akebar is aware of Neala's feelings, so he offers his daughter's hand to Idamore, releasing her from her priestly vows. This cunning move is intended to alleviate the growing conflict between the priests and the warriors.
Act II
Akebar calls Idamore his 'son'. The word brings back painful memories for Idamore, who has a secret: he too is a pariah. For years he has been living in hiding, fearing that someone would recognise him as an 'untouchable'. He had renounced his father and his origins but now, plagued by remorse, he confesses his secret to Neala. She decides to stay with her beloved until death.
Ratef announces that an old man, Dzares, has appeared in the city asking about Idamore. Neala decides to welcome the poor pilgrim and see what he wants. He insists on seeing Idamore, who recognises the old man as his long-lost father. Dzares urges his son to return to his homeland but Idamore's love for Neala makes that impossible for him.
Act III
Akebar leads Idamore inside as the wedding ceremony begins. Dzares breaks free from the crowd, accusing Idamore of hypocrisy. The participants of the ceremony feel sorry for the rejected old man, who, in a surge of grief, confesses to being a pariah. Akebar orders him to be killed but Idamore stands in defence of his father. In a fit of anger, he also admits to being a pariah and is instantly killed by Akebar. When Neala comprehends what has happened, she announces that from now on she is Dzares's daughter. To satisfy the people's anger, Akebar banishes his daughter from her homeland.
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