Iolanta

P. Tchaikovsky

Iolanta

Opera in one act
Libretto by M. Tchaikovsky based on the drama «King Rene’s Daughter» by H. Hertz
At the Abay Opera House, the premiere took place on 17.05.2003

Production Team:
Stage Conductor – Renat Salavatov, People’s Artist of Tatarstan, Honored Artist of Russia, Honored Artist of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Stage Director – Lyailim Imangazina, Honored Worker of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Production Designer – Gulfayrus Ismailova, People’s Production Designer of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Chorus Master Director – Shakirzhan Burkutbaeva
Editor, Production Lighting Designer – Orynbasar Zhanbyrshiev, Honored Worker of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Characters

• Rene, King of Naples, Count of Provence
• Iolanta, blind daughter of King Rene
• Robert, Duke of Burgundy
• Count Vaudemont, a Burgundian knight
• Ibn-Hakia, a Moorish physician
• Almeric, armour-bearer to the King
• Bertrand, doorkeeper of the castle
• Marta, Bertrand’s wife, Iolanta’s nursemaid
• Brigitta and Laura, Iolanta’s friends
• Iolanta’s servant-girls and friends, the King’s retinue, the Duke’s regiment, men-at-arms

The events take place in the mountains of southern France in the 15th century.

Part 1

The castle of Rene, the King of Provence, is in the south of France. The King’s young daughter, Iolanta, lives here. She is blind from birth, but she does not know it. By the King’s orders, the terrible secret is carefully kept from her. No outsiders are allowed into the castle under penalty of death. Blissfully unaware, Iolanta lives a carefree life among her friends. The King brings a famous Moorish physician to her. Worried, Rene awaits his answer. The physician tells him that recovery is possible, but Iolanta must be made aware of her affliction. She must desire the restoration of her sight; only then will the cure work. But the King remains steadfast.

Part 2

Two knights, Robert and Vaudemont, happen to visit the garden: Robert has been betrothed to Iolanta since childhood; he has never seen her and is not aware of her blindness. Vaudemont goes up to the beautiful garden terrace and sees the sleeping Iolanta. Her maiden beauty enchants the young knight. His involuntary cry of admiration wakes the girl. The young knight’s excitement stirs Iolanta’s soul. The emerging feeling thrills and confuses her. While saying goodbye, the marvellous stranger, Vaudemont, asks for a red rose as a keepsake. Iolanta picks a white rose instead of a red one. The realization terrifies the knight. Feeling compassion for the girl, he describes the beauty of light to her. Iolanta is enraptured by his words. The King appears. Learning that the stranger has revealed the secret of light to Iolanta, the King is furious, but the physician calms him. Now the cure is possible; she only needs an inner desire to see. Suspecting their love, the King feigningly threatens Vaudemont with a death sentence if Iolanta’s sight is not restored. Iolanta is ready to endure any pain to save her beloved. The treatment works. Astonished and delighted to be able to see the world, Iolanta recognizes her father, her friends, and Vaudemont, who henceforth will be her protector.