Summer encore series will feature popular Met Operas returning to the big screen
Sedona AZ (July 30, 2015) – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the encore of the Met Opera’s “Aida” on Saturday, Aug. 8 at 1 p.m. at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre.
“Aida” — Giuseppe Verdi
This grandest of grand operas features an epic backdrop for what is in essence an intimate love story. Set in ancient Egypt and packed with magnificent choruses, complex ensembles, and elaborate ballets, Aida never loses sight of its three protagonists: Amneris, the proud daughter of the pharaoh; her slave, Aida, who is the princess of the rival kingdom of Ethiopia; and Radamès, the Egyptian warrior they both love.
Few operas have matched Aida in its exploration of the conflict of private emotion and public duty, and perhaps no other has remained to the present day so unanimously appreciated by audiences and critics alike.
Synopsis of “Aida”:
ACT I: Egypt, during the reign of the pharaohs. At the royal palace in Memphis, the high priest Ramfis tells the warrior Radamès that Ethiopia is preparing another attack against Egypt. Radamès hopes to command his army. He is in love with Aida, the Ethiopian slave of Princess Amneris, the king’s daughter, and he believes that victory in the war would enable him to free her and marry her. But Amneris loves Radamès, and when the three meet, she jealously senses his feelings for Aida. News arrives that the Ethiopians are advancing, and the king names Radamès to lead the army. Aida is torn between her love for Radamès 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 Radamès, and Ramfis orders him to protect the homeland
ACT II: Ethiopia has been defeated, and Amneris waits for the triumphant return of Radamès. Alone with Aida, she tries to learn her slave’s private feelings by first pretending that Radamès has fallen in battle, then saying he is still alive. Aida’s reactions leave no doubt that she loves Radamès. Amneris is certain she will be victorious over her rival. At the city gates, the king and Amneris observe the victory celebrations and crown Radamès with a victor’s wreath. Captured Ethiopians are led in. Among them is Amonasro, Aida’s father, who signals his daughter not to reveal his identity as king. Radamès is impressed by Amonasro’s eloquent plea for mercy and asks for the prisoners to be freed. The king grants his request but keeps Amonasro in custody. The king declares that as a victor’s reward, Radamès will have Amneris’s hand in marriage.
ACT III: On the eve of Amneris’s wedding, Ramfis and Amneris enter a temple on the banks of the Nile to pray. Aida, who is waiting for Radamès, is lost in thoughts of her homeland. Amonasro suddenly appears. Invoking Aida’s sense of duty, he makes her agree to find out from Radamès which route the Egyptian army will take to invade Ethiopia. Amonasro hides as Radamès arrives and assures Aida of his love. They dream about their future life together, and Radamès agrees to run away with her. Aida asks him about his army’s route, and just as he reveals the secret, Amonasro emerges from his hiding place. When he realizes that Amonasro is the Ethiopian king, Radamès 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 Radamès surrenders to the priests.
ACT IV: Radamès 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 Radamès’s fate. They express their love for the last time while Amneris, in the temple above, prays for Radamès’s soul.
Tickets are now on sale for “Aida” by calling 928-282-1177 or visiting www.SedonaFilmFestival.org. Tickets are specially priced at $12.50 for this encore. Both the theatre and film festival office are located at 2030 W. Hwy. 89A, in West Sedona.
