Un ballo in maschera

G. Verdi

Un Ballo in Maschera

Opera in 3 acts
Libretto by Antonio Somma and Francesco Maria Piave
At the Abay Opera House, the premiere took place on 06.11.2011

Characters

• Richard, Earl of Warwick
• Renato, Richard’s secretary
• Amelia, Renato’s wife
• Ulrica, the fortune teller
• Oscar, page
• Silvano, a sailor
• Samuel
• Tom
• The judge
• Amelia’s servant
• Deputies, officers, sailors, guards, people

PRODUCTION TEAM
Production conductor – NURLAN ZHARASOV, Honored Worker of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Stage director – LAYLIM IMANGAZINA, Honored Worker of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Production designer – VYACHESLAV OKUNEV, People’s Artist of the Russian Federation, Laureate of State Prizes (St. Petersburg)
Chief choirmaster – ALIYA TEMIRBEKOVA, Honored Worker of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Act One

The residence of King Richard. Among those awaiting him are both loyal supporters and hidden enemies. Tom and Samuel, leaders of the conspirators, reject the universal praise of the monarch. The audience begins: the page Oscar presents the list of guests invited to the masked ball. Richard notices Amelia’s name and dreams of her, though he cannot reveal his feelings, as she is the wife of his closest friend and secretary, Renato.

After dismissing the court, Richard receives Renato, who warns him of a conspiracy. The king, however, refuses to give in to fear. A judge arrives with sentences awaiting approval and proposes the expulsion of Ulrica, a fortune teller accused of disturbing the public. Amused, Richard suggests visiting her in disguise.

At Ulrica’s house, a ritual is underway. Disguised as a sailor, Richard hides and listens as Silvano asks about his future. Ulrica predicts that he will soon receive honors and wealth. Secretly, Richard places gold in Silvano’s bag.

Amelia’s servant arrives, asking Ulrica to receive his mistress. Ulrica dismisses the others. Amelia confesses her torment: she suffers from forbidden love and seeks release. Richard overhears and realizes she loves him. Ulrica instructs Amelia to gather a magic herb at midnight in a cemetery. Richard decides to follow her.

When the court returns, Richard asks Ulrica to tell his fortune. She predicts that he will die by the hand of a friend. The court is horrified, but Richard laughs and offers his hand to all—no one dares accept it. At that moment Renato enters and, unaware of the prophecy, shakes his hand. Richard dismisses the prediction. The crowd returns, celebrating Silvano’s good fortune.

Act Two

A cemetery at midnight. Amelia arrives to gather the magic herb. Richard reveals his love to her. Their meeting is interrupted by Renato. Unable to recognize his veiled wife, he focuses on protecting the king from danger. Richard asks Renato to escort the mysterious lady to the city gates without asking questions.

After Richard departs, the conspirators appear. Disappointed at missing the king, they seize Renato and attempt to uncover the identity of the veiled woman. Renato defends her, but Amelia reveals her face to save him. The conspirators mock Renato. Humiliated and enraged, he joins their plot and invites them to his house.

Act Three

Renato’s house. Amelia pleads for her innocence, but Renato refuses to believe her. He resolves to kill Richard. Tom and Samuel arrive, and Renato joins the conspiracy. They draw lots to determine the assassin—Renato is chosen. Oscar delivers invitations to the masked ball, where the plot will be carried out.

At the ball, masked guests fill the hall. Amelia finds Richard and urges him to flee, but he declares his love once more and announces their final separation. At that moment, Renato strikes the fatal blow. He is seized and unmasked. Dying, Richard forgives him and forbids revenge. His final words call for peace and reconciliation.