Act I

In the palace of Pharaoh in Memphis, the high priest Ramfis informs the commander Radames that the King of Ethiopia has once again invaded Egypt. A military campaign must be launched immediately. Ramfis goes to the temple of Isis to ask the gods who should lead the army.

Radames, longing for glory, prays that he will be chosen to lead. Soon, the Pharaoh declares the gods’ will: Radames will command the Egyptian forces. As a reward, Radames plans to ask Princess Amneris to free his beloved Aida, who is living as a slave.

Amneris secretly loves Radames. She is delighted by his return and victory, but when she sees Aida, jealousy takes over. To test her, Amneris lies and says Radames has died. Aida cannot hide her grief. Enraged, Amneris threatens revenge. At that moment, a triumphal march is heard — the people greet their hero. Aida prays for death, unable to renounce her love.

Act II

In Thebes, the Egyptian army is welcomed with great ceremony. Among the prisoners is Amonasro, the King of Ethiopia and Aida’s father. Aida recognizes him and rushes to him, but he warns her to keep his identity a secret. He presents himself as a general, claiming the king has died in battle. The prisoners plead for mercy, joined by the people. On Ramfis’s advice, the Pharaoh decides to keep Aida and Amonasro as hostages and give his daughter Amneris in marriage to Radames.

Act III

On the banks of the Nile, at the temple of Isis, Amneris prepares to marry Radames. Aida waits nearby for one last farewell. Unable to bear separation, she decides to drown herself. She recalls her homeland with sorrow. Suddenly, Amonasro appears. Aware of her love and rivalry with Amneris, he demands that Aida discover from Radames the route of the Egyptian army. She refuses, but he curses her and calls her a traitor. Torn between love and duty, Aida agrees to the plan. As Radames approaches, Amonasro hides.

Radames, proud of his victory, hesitates to betray his country. But Aida insists they must flee to Ethiopia. He reveals the army’s route. Amonasro steps forward, certain now of victory. Horrified, Radames realizes he has unknowingly betrayed Egypt. He refuses to flee and surrenders himself to the high priest Ramfis. Aida and her father escape.

Act IV

In the temple’s underground chamber, Radames is put on trial. Amneris begs him to renounce Aida and offers him her love and Egypt’s crown. But Radames remains faithful to Aida. He confesses that his betrayal was for her sake. Amneris, torn by love and jealousy, alternately threatens him and prays for his salvation. Ramfis announces the verdict — Radames will be buried alive beneath the temple. Amneris curses the cruelty of the priests.

In his tomb, Radames awaits death. Suddenly, he hears Aida’s voice — she has hidden herself in the tomb to die with him. Now nothing can part them. Above, the priests chant in prayer. Amneris kneels in sorrow atop the sealed tomb, praying to the gods for peace of soul.

Conductor: Ayyub Guliyev, Honored Artist
Stage Director: Mikheil Kvaliashvili (Georgia)
Director: Hafiz Guliyev, Honored Art Worker
Set Designer: Ayyub Fataliyev, Honored Art Worker
Choreography: Gamar Almaszade, People's Artist of the USSR
Choirmaster: Sevil Hajiyeva, Honored Art Worker

Cast:
Aida – Afaq Abbasova, Honored Artist
Radames – Yusif Eyvazov, People's Artist
Amneris – Fidan Hajiyeva, People's Artist
Amonasro – Avaz Abdulla, People's Artist
Pharaoh (King of Egypt) – Igor Yadrov
Ramfis – Akram Poladov, People's Artist
High Priestess – Gulnaz Ismayilova, People's Artist
Herald – Aliahmad Ibrahimov, Honored Artist