Premiere of this production: 8 September 2015, Mikhailovsky theatre, St. Petersburg, Russia
Libretto by Jules‑Henri Vernoy de Saint‑Georges revised by Mikhail Messerer
Synopsis
Le Corsaire
PROLOGUE
The ship of corsairs has sunk in a severe storm.
ACT I
Scene 1. Ashore.
There are only three corsairs survived: Conrad, the leader
of the corsairs, and his friends Ali and Birbanto. Young Greek girls are
dancing and amusing themselves on the shore. Two of them are the most
enchanting ones — the Greek beauty Medora and the Turkish beauty Gulnara.
The girls find the corsairs and hide them from the ferocious Turkish soldiers
who are entitled to execute corsairs immediately on site. Isaac
Lankedem, a cunning slave-trader, who has brought the Turkish soldiers
is looking forward to captivating the girls. He takes all the
girls on the slave market along with languishing Palestinian girls and wild
Algerian boys. Conrad who has fallen in love with Medora at first
sight hopes to save the girl and follows her in disguise.
Scene 2. Slave market. Hustle and bustle
of the oriental market. Seid Pasha, the ruler of the island, has
chosen Gulnara for his harem. Medora is doomed to share her destiny.
Suddenly some strangers appear willing to take part in the trade.
However, Seid Pasha is the richest man on the island. The strangers
throw off their cloaks and reveal themselves as armed corsairs. Conrad
carries Medora away. Ali captivates Lankedem. Birbanto and others seize the
gold, the draperies, the arms, and the prisoners. Seid Pasha is furious
and confused.
Scene 3. Grotto. Conrad shows
his possessions to his beloved Medora. The corsairs are happy with their
loot and new girlfriends — the Greek and Palestinian girls. Wild Algerian
boys are welcomed to the fellowship of buccaneers. Conrad’s bosom
friend Ali keeps an eye on captivated Lankedem. On Medora’s
request Conrad sets the captivated girls free. Birbanto, however, is not
satisfied with the decision: he’s entitled to a part of the
jewels and some girls. Conrad is surprised with Birbanto’s protests.
Although Conrad manages to persuade Birbanto, the latter nurses
a grudge against the leader of the corsairs. Cunning Lankedem
provokes Birbanto to revenge. The slave-trader suggests sending Conrad
to deep sleep and bringing Medora back to Seid Pasha. Conrad
is swept away by his love to Medora. Lankedem pours sleeping
potion to their wine which unsuspecting Medora offers to Conrad.
He drops on the spot. Medora asks for help but insidious Birbanto
abducts her back to Seid Pasha’s harem. Conrad awakes. He asks
Birbanto about Medora. Birbanto foxes and lies. Conrad rushes to save his
beloved again.
ACT II
Scene 3.
Palace. Seid Pasha is delighted with Gulnara’s naughtiness.
The pretty Turkish girl, however, is just coquetting and not going
to indulge the ugly old Pasha. Lankedem brings Medora back
to Pasha. Gulnara takes the girls to her chamber. Eunuchs announce the
arrival of pilgrims. After the evening prayer Seid Pasha invites the
pilgrims to enjoy the dances of the girls in his harem. Medora
and Gulnara are the brightest flowers in the splendid garden of the
harem. Birbanto and Lankedem reveal the corsairs. Conrad and Ali attack the
traitors. During the fight Seid Pasha escapes. Birbanto and Lankedem are
subdued.
EPILOGUE
Ali has saved Gulnara who
entrusts her life to the courageous corsair. Conrad and Medora start
a new happy life together.