The Pearlfishers
Sydney Opera House - Opera Theatre
Sydney
Australia
Sat, 13th September 2008 - Thu, 9th October 2008
On a beach in Ceylon the people of a pearling village sing to bring good fortune to the divers, who each year risk death to gather pearls from the sea's depths. They unanimously elect Zurga, the head fisherman, as their chief. Nadir appears and is recognised by Zurga as his childhood friend. Nadir explains that, during his long absence from the village, he has lived as a hunter. Zurga welcomes him joyously and invites him to take his place among the pearl fishers.
Nadir reminds Zurga of the time they were travelling together and had seen, at the gates of Kandi, worshippers prostrate before a beautiful young priestess. Both men had immediately fallen in love with her and had agreed for the sake of their friendship to deny that love. Nadir says that he has not forgotten his word and the two men reaffirm their friendship. The High Priest Nourabad and the villagers welcome the Priestess Léïla. They believe that if she remains veiled for a year her prayers will drive away the evil spirits. She must also remain chaste. Nadir recognises her voice as that of the Priestess whom both he and Zurga have renounced. He expresses the longing which her unexpected appearance has aroused in him. Léïla begins her incantations to the gods, breaking off her prayer to confess her love for Nadir.
In the ruins of a temple Léïla recalls that, as a very young girl, she gave shelter to a fugitive and refused to betray him to his pursuers. The grateful fugitive gave her a necklace which she still wears. Léïla falls asleep but is woken by the sound of Nadir's serenade to her. He enters the temple and the two declare their love. As Nadir steals away a violent storm breaks out and the young man is captured by Nourabad and his followers. The High Priest denounces Léïla and tears the veil from her face. Zurga, who has joined the crowd, recognises Léïla. His jealousy of Nadir overwhelms him and he decrees that death must be the punishment. But he soon regrets the blind fury that has led him to condemn his friend.
Léïla pleads to Zurga for Nadir's life, claiming that the sin is hers alone. The people call for the deaths of the lovers. Before she is taken away Léïla takes off her necklace and asks for it to be sent to her mother. Zurga examines it closely and realises that it is the necklace he gave years before to a child who saved his life.
Léïla and Nadir prepare to face death together. Zurga rushes in to tell of a terrible fire which is destroying the camp. The dismayed pearl fishers rush away to save what they can of their possessions. Zurga quickly releases Léïla and Nadir. He tells the lovers that it was he who set fire to the camp and, showing Léïla the necklace, declares that he is now repaying the debt he owes her. Léïla and Nadir escape while Zurga awaits death in the fire.
Performance Info:
- Times:
- 1pm on:
- 7.30pm on:
- 4th, 6th, 9th, 13th, 17th, 20th, 23rd and 25th September
- 3rd, 9th and 11th Oct
On a beach in Ceylon the people of a pearling village sing to bring good fortune to the divers, who each year risk death to gather pearls from the sea's depths. They unanimously elect Zurga, the head fisherman, as their chief. Nadir appears and is recognised by Zurga as his childhood friend. Nadir explains that, during his long absence from the village, he has lived as a hunter. Zurga welcomes him joyously and invites him to take his place among the pearl fishers.
Nadir reminds Zurga of the
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