Pa e2

ACT1 PROLOG.UE - THE MUSEUM

(The Egyptian wing of a maJ0 1· "luseum. A contemporaty crowd. chic and bcautifally d..ressed is gath 'd around various artifacts, all under glas! inc/Juling a mamuqtlin in a11cimt Royal Egyptian dress. The crowd moves appreciatively around the exhibits. In the center of the room, also behind glass1 is a mysterious object-Mi ancient burial chamber, a tomb. A MAN, and a WOMAN also dmsed in the fmhiom of roday approach the tomb from different sitks. They are both drawn to it. They circle it, intrigued as if they have sem it before. The man is RtWAMES; the woman is AIDA. Jn a musical mo.men/, they look up. Their. eyes meet as the mannequin in ancient Royal Egyptian dress comes to lift! emerging from her glass encasement. She is AMNERIS, an ancient Pharaoh.)

EVERY STORY ISA LOVE STORJ' · . . .

AMNERIS (As she singr, the cast of modern mus~m gom kaves the stage.}

EVERY STORY, TALE OR MEMOIR EVERY'SAGA OR ROMANCE . WHETHER TRUE ORFABIUCATED. WHETHER PI.ANNED OR HAPPENSTANCE

WHETHER SWEEPING TiiROUGH THE.{\.GES CASTINGCENTUIUI!S ASIDE. ORA HURRIBD BIUEF RECITAL JUSf A 'nUR1Y MINUTE lU[)E .

··WHETHER BRIGHT ORMEl.ANCHOLY ROUGH ANO RFADY, FINELY SPUN WHETHER WITH A THOUSAND· PLAYERS · ORA LONELY CAST OF ONE

EVERY STORY, NEW OR ANCIENT BAGATELLE OR WORK OF ART ALL ARE TALES OF HUMAN FAILING ALLARE TALES OF LOVEAT HFART

(rhe lights change violently with a rock and rt>H chord. "The MAN_ and WOMAN freeze.)

THIS rs nm STORY OF A LOVE THATFWUIUSHED IN A TIME OF HATE

OF LOVERS NO TYRANNY COULD SEP ARA TE LOVE SET .INTO MOTION ON THE NILE'S SHORE DESTINY IGNITED BY AN ACT OF WAR

(The MAN and WOMEN exit as the scene begins to dissolve from contemporary to ancient times. The Musetttn disappe.ars, we see NUBIAN WOMEN captured by-EGYPTIAN SOLDIERS and then an Egyptian Slave Barge comes into view. AMNERIS continues tu sing.)

EGYPT SAW THE MIGHTY RIVERAS ITS VERY HEART AND SOUL SOURCE OF LIFE FOR ALL HER PEOPLE THAT ONLY EGYPT COULD CONTROL DESTRUCTION OF HER SOUTHERN NEIGHBOR JUSTIFIED NUBIA EXPLOITED, LEFT WITH LITTLE MORE THAN PRIDE

(AMNERIS exits as the sce~e change continuesJ

SCENE 1: A SLAVE BARGE (EGYPTIAN SOLDIERS man the Barge~ sails as riches and the spoils of war are "1aded on to the deck of the ship.)

FORTUNEF<Al'ORSTHEBRAVE .

·sowmRS OHOH FORTUNE f<AVORS THE BRAVE OHOH FORTUNE FAVORS THE BRAVE

(RAD AMES, an Egyptian Anny Captain, mtm.}

RAD AMES WE HAVE SWEPT TO GLORY, EGYPTS MASTERY EXPANDS FROM THE NILE'S·NORTHERN DELTA TO THE DRY DRY SOUTHERN SANDS THE ~ORE WE FIND/IHEMORE WE SEE, THE MORE WE COME TO LEARN THEMORETHATWEEXPLORE, THEMOREWESHALLRETURN .. ' - .

SOillIERS OHOH FORTUNE FAVORS THE BRAVE

(RADAMESmwts ®wmtagus his anns open in a gesture of embrace-'­of the river, the sea air an4 his lift.)

RAD AMES !T'S ALL WORKED OUT MY ROAD JS CLEAR THE LINES OF IATITUDE EXTEND WAY BEYOND MY WILDEST DREAMS TOWARD SOME GREAT-TRIUMPHANT END WE SEIZED THE DAY, WE TURNED THE TIDE WE TOUCHED THE STARS, WE MOCKED THE GRAVE WE MOVED INTO UNCHARTED LANDS

RADAMES AND SOI.DIERS FORTUNE FAVORS THE BR.A VE

RAD AMES THE MORE WE FIND, THE MORE WE SEE, THE MORE WE COME TO LEARN Ti-IE MORE THAT WE EXPLORE, THE MORE WE SHALL RETURN

NOTHING IS AN ACCIDENT WE ARE FREE TO HA VE IT ALL WE ARE WHAT WEWANTTO BE IT'S IN OURSELVES TO RISE OR FALL THIS IS EASY TO BELIEVE . WHEN DISTANT PIACES CALL TO ME IT'S HARDER FROM THEPALACE YARD FORTUNE FAVORSTHE FREE

SOLDIERS OHOH

RAD AMES .·FORTUNE FAVORS THE YOUNG

.~

SOLDIERS OHOH

RAD AMES FORTUNE FAVORS THE BRAVE

(Sudtknly, AIDA and NUBIAN WOMEN are showd ·onstagc by SOLDIERS. RADAMESifdrefatAIDA. Theireyeswck)

RAD AMES What have we.here?

['age 5

SOLD!ER#l We found them on the riverbank, Captain.

RAD AMES {To AIDA.)

Your counoy's at war and you go wandFring along the Nile's edge? You must have a burning desire to sec Egypt. Put her in chains.

(To one of his SOLDIERS.) Have you finished the map?

· Yes, Captain.

Good work.

SOLD!ER#2

RAD AMES (Looking_ nt the map with his men.)

{He traces his finger over the map.) But this is wrong, from the mast it looked like it curved to the North ... like this. Here, let me show you.·

(AIDA tuddmly grabs a sword from a drunken soldier and points it nt another.)

SOWIER#l Mysword! Mysword!

(AIDA sword fights with the SO WIERS, taking one captiw.)

Release them!

(RADAMES crosses to her.) Hand it over. NowJ

AIDA

RAD AMES

~. . . .l\lD;\ {Holds word ata SOLDIER~ throat.)

You took us from Nubia .•. and now you say we belong to you, yes?

.RADAMES Yes.

AIDA Well, I took this solcliedrom yout .tanks. Soi by your awn logic he bclo~ to me. Now let themgo, ·

(RADAMES smiks in acknowledgement, then poinu to the WOMEl SO WIERS instantly grab them, putting swords to thdr throaJs. 'A stdemate. AIDA lays down the sword. A SOLDIER snatches it up.)

SOLDIER#! TI1row her in the river.

RAD AMES No, I have a better plan for her.

(RAD AMES kads AIDA ro tk ship~ fowerquartm. The SOLDIERS and NUBIAN WOMEN exit.)

SCENE2:RADAMES'QUARTERS (RADAMES lifo his hand. AIDA covers her face.)

AlDA Don't.

RAD AMES You don it want me to remove your shackles?

AIDA Oh. Yes.

(She holds up her hands for him and he unlocks her shackles.)

RAD AMES Tl)ey11 only get in the way. Very impr=ive up thCrc.

(Tosses shackks tWde and /miles.) · I should enlist you in my army. Make you my Lieutenant.

AIDA Arc vou mocking me, Captain!

RAD AMES No. Admiringyi>u. ·

(He rnnuva l?is coat, dropping it to the foor almost as a tlare.) Do you know what's going to happen now? .Yo!\' re going to scrub the filth of battle from m)' skin.

(RAD AMES removes his IWbrd and sits on a stot>I in front of her.) It has been a long.rime since I've fu)t dean. · . ,

(AIDA beghu to scrub RAD AMES' back farioml)' witb a sponge a,nd water from a basin. He grlmam.)

You~re much better witl~ a sword than you are with a sponge.

AIDA I wish I had a sword now.

RAD AMES There's mine. Help yoursd£

(She consldm z't a 1nq"zent, then resumes scrubbing him. He smiles.} Who taught you to use a weapon?

AIDA My father.

RAD AMES Because he knows Nubian·mCn can't protect their women?

· (She straightens, farious.) You're not finished.

Yes, I run.

On your knees. (Standing.).

You enjoy livipg dangerously, don't you?

AIDA

AIDA. About as much as I enjoy washing your Wthy Ff,yptian skin!

(AIDA throws the sponge.)

RAD AMES You •••

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THEPASTISANOTHERLAND ·

AIDA NO,YOUKNOWNOTHINGMP.WME~CAREEVENLESS HOW COULD YOU UNDERSTAND OUR EMPTINESS YOU'VE PLUNDERfu:i OUR WISPOM, OUR KNOWLEDGE, OUR WEALTH , . IN BLEEDING US DRY YOU LONG FOR OUR SPIRIT n1 rr THAT YOU WILL NINER POSSESS

Page8

THE PAST IS NOW ; •TI-IER LAND FAR BEYOND MY R.. -! INVADED BYINSID' FOREIGN BODIES, l u;;EIGN SPEECH WHERE THE TIMELESS JOYS OF CHILDHOOD LIE BROKEN ON THE BEACH

RAD AMES What's your name?

AIDA Aida.

SOLDIER#3 (Offstage.}

Captain, we're ready to clock! (RADAMES scoops up the sht1Ckks ftom the floor and forces them on AIDA.) .

AIDA What- No! Please, leave diem off.

RAD AMES You're a slave now! And if you want to survive you better rcinember it.

(RADAMES exitr. As AIDA continues to sint,; the scene.dissolves around her to Docks on the banks of the Nik in Egyp~)

AIDA THE PRESENT IS AN EMPTY SPACE. BETWEEN THE GOOD AND BAD AM6MENT LEADING NOWHERE ']:'00 POINTLESS.TO BE SAD .. ·. ·. ·BUTtlMEE~OUGHTOIAY'f'OWASTE EVERY CERTAINTY I HAD

SCENE 3: THE'DO'CKS . . (The fights chititge ii> indicate dawn whik EGYPTIAN SOLDIERS un/qiu/ the NUBIAN WOMEN in chains .from their Barge.}

. AIDA THE FUTURE JS A BARREN WOlU.D FROM WHICH I CAN'T RETURN .

BOTH HEARTLESS AND MATERIAL ITS WRETCHED SPOILS NOT MY CONCERN SHINING LIKE AN EVIL SUN AS MY CHILDHOOD TREASURES BURN SHINING LIKEJ\N EVIL SUN AS MY CHILDHOOD TREASURES BURN

(Ar dawn rises and the docks are sti11 somewhat in the shadows, an EGYPTIAN MAN of q1wtionable reput<ttion appears.)

EGYPTIAN MAN Mereb! Mereb!

(MEREB enters with several casks of wine.) Is that the wine?

MEREB You have the gold?

· (EGYPTIAN MAN andMEREB make the exchange.)

RAD AMES (Entering.)

Mereb!

MEREB Master!

(The EGYPTIAN MAN rnns off.) I'm so glad you're home.

RAD AMES Have you kept my house in ordet?

Mli.REB .

Page9

Y cs, yes ... well: &eept for a few <;as~ of wine whiCh have mysteriously disappeared.

Again? RAD AMES

(ZOSER enters accompanied by MINISTERS.)

ZOSER Here you are my son, home at last! S.tcp aside Mercb!

. . MBREB . Y cs, oh Chief Minister Zoser ••• beloved by the Gods, the people and hlliuclf.

Pa eJO

ZOSER Careful, boy or I'll have you-

RAD AMES It's good to sec you, Father.

ZOSER You were gone so long Radames, I was beginning t~ worxy. You weren't injured in batt I e ?

RAD AMES No.

ZOSER I kept telling the Pdncx:ss that no man can best you with a sword.

RAD AMES No man got the better ofme. Though a certain woman might have.

ZOSER (Amused.)

RCally?

-· .• RADAMES Listen, beyond the filih eatatact, the Nile heads directly to~ds Khartoum. . .

ZOSER Then we can attack the city by water?.·· Exteilent. You recorded the 1andseape?

RAD AMES With the m,ws WC madC. an illitcrat.e foot .soldier rould find his way through Nubia.

ZOSBR . · (N~timtheNUBMNWOMEN.)

And you brought home captives; G~ Take them to the copper mines .. We can't seem-fl' keep them alive dciwn there. · ·

. (ZOSER motiom the SOLDIERS forward.)

RAD AMES Stop!

(He takes AIDA fem the SOLDJERS.) Not.this one. · ·· · · ··

· (To ZOSER.)

1'1n going to need a gift for the Princess.

ZOSER Yes. She'll be expecting somethillf!

RAD AMES (To SOLDIERS.)

Take them all to the Palace Groundskeeper. 111ey can help with the harvest. (ToZOSER.)

TI1ey' re all women. They wouldn:t last a day underground.

ZOSER As you wish. They're your slaves.

Pa '11

(The SOLDIERS exit with the NUBIAN WOMEN. RADAMES turns AIDA to face him.)

Thank you.

Give me your hands, Aida.

(G11Sfi.) Youq1ame is Aida?

Mereb. .. (To AIDA.)

AIDA

RAD AMES

MEREB

RAD AMES

I'm going to remove these. But iq,ow that if you date tty to escape, I'll come after you myscl£

{RA:DAMES remoV.SAIDA} $hackles,).

AIDA You fia.tter me, Captain. You don't look like a man who would ·cluse after any woman.

RADAMRS I'll make an exception for you. Moreb, take her to ·Princess Amnetis with my eomplimcnts.

PaveJ2

MEREB

ZOSER You've been gone six. months. I really think a personal appearance is in order.

. (RAI>/i}4:£S wava MEREB forward. MEREB luu4AIDA off.)

RAD AMES Jn good time, Fatl, hough you and the Princess should know that as soon as my Crew IS rested, I a.m setting '·..;;. again.

ZOSER You can't. Radames, Egypt needs you now.· Pharaoh isnot the powerful leader hew A 5 when you left.

ANOTHER PYRAMID · · (Mort MINISTERS mter during the song.)

ZOSER WHILE YOU'VE BEEN AWAY CAVORTING MATTERS HERE HAVE MOVED APACE

. NOW I NEED YOU HOME SUPPORTING

.ALL TIIE PLANS I'VE PUT IN PLACE .

FIRST OF ALL TIIIS MEANS YOUR WEDDING YOU'LL RECALL YOUR FUTURE BRIDE FOR TBE WAY THAT PHARAOH'S HFADING TIME'S NO LONGERON OUR SIDE .

ACCORDINGTOTHE HAWK GOD IiORUS OUR MOST REGALINVAIID IS NOT THAT MUCH LONGBRFOR US BUILDANOTHERI'YRAMID! .

RAD AMES You mean the Pharaoh's fallen i!J1 Is i~ serious?

ZOSER I'm afraid.so.

RAD AMES I must go to him.

Page 13

ZOSER Yes. That will bring hitn some coinfort. I'll sec you tonight at the banquet, C3.ptain.

(RADAMES exits as the scene changes to Catacombs beneath the Pharaoh's Palace. ZOSER and the MINISTERS move through the Catacombs and s<cret passageways ofthe Palace where thdr pwtting kicks into high gear.) •.

THERE ARE MANY WHO'LL BE TEARFUL A$ OUR LEADER FADES AWAY BUT OUR ARCHITECTS ARE CHEERFUL AND FACH DOG MU$T HAVE ITS DAY

IF OUR COUNTilYIS TO FLOURISH THEN MY SON MUST TAKE THE LEAD BE OUR INSPIRATION, NOURISH ALL OUR HOPES OUR DREAMS OUR CREED

SOON OUR MONARCH WILL HAVE FILLED A TOMB JUST LIKE HIS f<ATHERS DID SUMMON EGYPT'S GREATEST BUILDER RE: ANOTHER PYRAMID

ZOS]>R THERE WILL BEA TIMEFOR MOORN!NG. BUT FOR NOW PUT PLANS ON HOLD FOR I GIVE THE NATION WARNIN.G THAT BEFORE THE CORPSE IS COLD

MINISTERS BUILD IT, BUILD IT ANOTHER PYMMID

HOLD

COLD

. ZOSER WE'LL EXTEND FAIREGYPT's POWER EGYPT'S GLORY STRENGTH AND STYLE WESHALLHAVI!OURFIN.ESTHOUR FAR BEYOND THE MIGH1Y NILE

HEMUSTHAvEAVAULTTHATS.GRANDBY ANY STANDARDS, FLOOR TO LID PUT.FIVE THOUSAND SLAVES ON STAND BY BUILD ANOTHER PYRAMID!

process~ use which makes fab:i? glow. It's a secret that was passed down frotn the handmaidens of Queen Nefertiti.

(Everyone cowm ... waiting for AMNERIS to explode.)

. AMNERIS A slave who knows her fubrics? I'm keeping her! Oh Radames, he knows me. He really, really knows me. GoJ Mcreh, show Aida the sewing room.

(AIDA exits with MEREB.) All rightladies, let's polish this gem.

llfl'STRONGEST SUIT . (The SIA Vlli' exit during the song leaving AMNERIS with the WOMEN.)

AMNERIS IN LIFE ONE HAS TO f<ACEA HUGE ASSORTMENT OF NAUSEATING FADS AND GOOD ADVICE THERE'S HEALTH AND FITNESS, DIET AND DEPORTMENT AND OTHER POINTLESS FORMS OF SACRI!<1CE

CONVERSATION? WIT? I AM A DOUBTER MANNERS? CHARM? THEY'RE NO WAY TO IMPRESS SO FORGET '!'HE INNER ME, OBSERVE THE OUTER IAMWHATIWEARANDHOWIDRESS

OH NOW I BELIEVE IN LOOKING LIKE MY TIME ON EAR TI-I IS COOKING WHETI-IER POLKADOTTED, STR!I'ED OR EVEN CHECKED wrm SOME GLAMOUR GUARANTEEING EVERYHBER OF MY BEING IS DISPLAYED TO QUITE REMARKABLE EFFECT'

BUILD IT, BUILD IT BUILD IT, BUILD IT BUILD IT, BUILD IT. BUILDIT-

(Dance Break.) BUILD IT, BUILD IT BUILDIT-

MINISTERS

(MINISTERS whisper among themselves. Then to ZOSER.)

ZOSER Someone has been telling the Pharaoh about our private meetings. Traitor! He has bccon a liability.

(The MINISTERS inilantly surround an ACCUSED MINISTER. An ASSASSIN MINISTER crosses to ACCUSED MINISTER, pulls out a knift, and kiUs him. The ACCUSED MINISTER is dragged ojfitage.)

HEMU5THAVEAVAULTTHAT'SGMNDBY .. ANY STANDARDS, FLOOR TO LID PUT FNE THOUSAND SLAVES ON STAND BY BUILD ANOTHER PYRAMID!

(A MINISTER sidles up to ZOSER.) You extracted more· arsenic?

(71fEMINISTER holds up a vial) Who would have thought that the copper mincs would yield such an abundant supply? Put somein Pharaoh's wine tonight at the banquet, Again, only a few drops. We don't want him dying ... just yet. . . . .

. (ZOSER and the remaittingMINISTER$ e:dtllS the scme dissolva to a HaUwll)' in the PhartUihl Palace.} .·

SCENE 4: HALLWAY IN THE PHARAOH'S PALACE v (AIDA and MEREB enter. AfDA is dressed as a pa/4ce servant.) .

MEREB Well now you look like a handmaiden; But at least the Captain saw that yo.u' re special.

AIDA What tl1at man secs and understands could be etched on a ij11Un of sand.

MEREB That may be, but Radanics did save you and the other women from the copper mines.

Pad8

AIDA Aida.

(MEREB and 'fj'OMEN g"'P at her audacity.)

AMNERIS Did you just speak!

AIDA My name i&Aida, Princess. And I think you might wish to kuow ...

i AMNERIS How dare you! You do notloweryour eyes. You do not tremble. Atr you not afraid c-1' m '2- ?

AIDA Would it please you ifl were?

· AMNERIS Not so much.

AIDA Then I am dohJ$ as yilu please.

AMNERIS W di that's nue. You were starling to say something.;. about. .•

AIDA Captain Radames.

Wh~t do ~u kul>w of the Captain?

AIDA Only that he is well. He sulkrcd no injuries in battle. I thought you might want to know'i that. . . . .

AMNERIS I did! I've been so ••. You're very astute, aten't yPLi, Aida?

AIDA Only.on occasion. My nue talent lies with a needle. ·And'ifyPu ~uld ~low me, Princcssj I "111 make yPU a to be in a shade doses to that of your eyes. There • a dyctng

Pa <16

Prince~-

·OUR LIVES ARE NOT OUR OWN

MEREB I NEVER HA VE ABANDONED ANDNOR1TH!NKCOULDYOU . THAT SPARK OF HOPE FOR FREEDOM NO TERROR CAN SUBDUE

AIDA MY ONLY HOPE IS SILENCE YOU'VE NEVER SEEN MY EACE

MEREB NOYOUREMAJN A PRINCESS JN ANYTIME OR PLACE

YOU DON'T KNOW ME

YES I KNOW YOU

YOUDON'TKNOWME

HOWIKNOWYOU · HOWIKNOWYOU

AIDA

MEREB

AIDA

. MEREB

AIDA Mcrcb, you must treat. me like my od1er slaV<;.. If the llgyptiaiis knew l'Wa. the da11,g h -1-e r the Nubian King ... · · · . .· ·

MEREB. They would kill you. But our people will keep )'OUt&eeret.

AIDA No. You must not tell anyone who I am. From now on, I am nothing but a sift fro11"I an

. E£yptian Captain ro his.p~noois.

Page 15

AIDA That was surprising. And decent of him.

MEREB When I was ten, Radames saved me"fi-om being beaten to death by the palace guards. He promised he1d look out for me from then on. He's kept that prOmise.

(Sighs.) Look, I know what you're thinking ... that I've become one of them. But I'm still Nubian. I'll always be Nubian.

AIDA Of course.

HOl\?/KNOWYOU .. : · -- • ··

MEREB I GREW UP IN YOUR HOMETOWN AT LEAsT BEGAN TO GROW I HADN'T GOT TO MY FIRST SHA VE BEFORE THE BODY BLOW EGYPTIANS IN TilE COURTYARD

MY FAMILY IN CHAINS YOU WITNESSED OUR ABDUCTION WHICH POSSIBLY EXPLAINS HOWIKNOWYOU HOWIKNOWYOU

BEFORE THAT FATEFUL MORNING MY FAMILY ENJOYED A PR!VJLEGED EXISTENCE FOR MY FATI-IER WAS EMPLOYED AS ADVISOR TO THE KING NO LESS WHICH SURELY RINGS A BELL FOR AS YOU ARE HIS DAUGHTER YOU PROBABLY .CW TELL HOWlKNOWYOU YES I KNOW YOU

AIDA. YOUKNOWTOOM'.tJCHANDWHATYOUSAY IS BETTER LEFT UNKNOWN AND NOW I;M JUST A SIAVE LIKE YOU.

Pac 17

MEREB Just so you know, Amncris is more than that ro Radames. She's his betrotl1ed.

AIDA He's to be married? When?

MEREB The day his ship sinks and the royal builders refuse to make him another. Come, let's get you to the Princess. ·

(AIDA and MERES exit as the se<ne changes w the Palace Baths.)

SCENE 5: THE BATHS (WOMEN OF THE PAIACE enter wrapped in sheets. SLA VE.s'stand by with tray< offrui4 oils and cosmetics. AMNEf!IS enters, somewhat winded.)

AMNERIS It is such hard work m.aintaining perli:ction.

(She is flushed and panting from excrdu but me bJoks fabubJus.) But worth the ef!Ort, don't you think? ·

WOMEN Oh, yes. DcJlnitely worth it! You're perfuct.

AMNERIS . Really? Pcrfi:ct? Then maybe .one of you can explain to me why Radames, the man destined to be my one and only, is neglecting me?

(AIDA andMEREB enter un#en.) He's been to seemyf.id1er. I hear he's spent time with his f.tthcr. In &.ct, he's probably chununed it up with cvecy withered old man in Egypt. But clearly. the thought of visiting a ripe young Princess, with fubulous hair, leaves him rold.

MEREB (Bowing bJw.) ·

Princess Amneris - fuSt in beauty, wisdom, anci acocssorics. Captain Radam<S has not forgotten you; He knows you will be at the feast tonight in all your extravagant finecy. And he can hardly wait. But for now, he sends you .. this gift.

AMNERIS Another handmaiden? I don't need anothct handmaiden.

(Sighs i~ disgust.} . Does this gift have a name?

Page20

AMNERIS . WOMEN FROM YOUR CRADLE VIA

TROUSSEAU AH TO YOUR DEATHBED YOU'RE ON

VIEW, SO AH NEVER COMPROMISE, ACCEPT NO

SUBSTITUTE AH AH

I WOULD RATHER WEAR A BARREL AH THANCONSERVATIVEAPPAREL AH FOR DRESS HAS ALWAYS BEEN AH MY STRONGEST SUIT AH

STAYING IN OR HITTING TOWNWA:RDS

FROM THE TOP AND WORKING DOWNWARDS

I ENSURE THAT EVERY STITCH IS STITCHED IN TIME

WHETHER WIG OR HAT OR TURBAN

WHETHER CLAD BOUDOIR OR URBAN ...

NOT TO SfRUTYOUR STUFF OUTRAGEOUSLY'S A CRIME

AND THE FEW WHO ARE INVITED TO MY WARDROBE ARE DELIGHTED AS THEY WANDER THROUGH MY

THINGS TO FIND EN ROUTE

THATINNEGLiGEEORFORMAL IAMANYTHINGBUTNORMAL · THAT DRESS HAS ALWAYS BEEN MY STRONGEST SUIT

OVER WEAR UNDERWEAR ANYTIME ANYWHERE

OOH OOH OOH AH

OOH OOH OOH AH OOH OOH OOH AH

IS STITCHED IN TIME

OOH OOH OOH AH

OOH OOH OOH AH OOHOOHOOHAH

SUCH A CRIME OOOH 0VERWEAR OOOH UNDJ'iRWEAR

OOOiiANYTIME WE'RE WANDERING THROUGH

YOUR THINGS OOH FORMAL, FORMAL OOH NORMAL, NORMAL OOH~

AMNE!US (CONT.)

I AM WHAT I WEAR

I SAID ANYTIME

ANYWHERE

SO BRING MEALL MY FINEST MOST AUDACIOUS MY DNINEST MOST REVEALING MOST EXPENS!VEAND TO BOOT

MOST ARRESTING

MOST HEART-STOPPING MOST FREE FLOWING MOST EYE POPPING MOST ARRESTING .MOST HEART STOPPING

DRESS HAS AL WAYS· BEEN MY STRONGEST SUIT

MY STRONGEST SOIT

YOU KNOW THAT IAMWHATIWEAR DRESS HAS AL Wi'..YS BEEN MY STRONGEST SUIT ...

Page21

WOMEN (CONT.} OVERWEAR, UNDERWEAR, ANYTIME, ANYWHERE OVERWEAR, UNDERWEAR, ANYTIME, ANYWHERE OVERWFAR, UNDERWEAR, ANYJ1ME, ANYWHERE OVERWEAR, UNDERWEAR, ANYTIME

FINEST DIVINEST

MOST REVEALING MOST EXPENSIVE MOST ARRESTING

MOST HEART-STOPPING HEART-STOPPING OVERWEAR· UNDERWEAR ANYTIME ANYWHERE

DRESS HAS AL WAYS BEEN

I AM WHAT I WEAR

JAM WHAT I WEAR '

JAM WHAT I WEAR DRESS.HAS ALWAYS BEEN MY STRONGEST SUIT .

(Dance Brettk. The scene changes toAMNERIS' CLOSET. AMNERIS and WOMEN prepare to dress for the PHARAOH~ Banquet.}

Pa e22

AMNE!US (CONT.) SO B!UNG ME ALL MY FINEST MOST AUDACIOUS MY DNINEST MOST REVEALING MOST EXPENSNEAND TO BOOT

MOST ARRESTING

MOST HEART-STOPPING MOST FREE FLOWING MOST EYE POPPING DRESS HAS ALWAYS BEEN MY STRONGEST SUIT

MY STRONGEST SUIT

YOUKNOWTHAT !AM WHAT I WEAR

DRESS HAS ALWAYS BEEN MYSTRONGEST MYSTRONGEST . MY STRONGEST MY STRONGEST MY STRONGEST SUIT MY STRONGEST SUIT

WOMEN (CONT~) MY FINEST DN!NEST

MOST REvFALING MOST EXPENSIVE MOST ARRESTING

MOST FREE FLOWING MOST EYE POPPING DRESS HAS ALWAYS BEEN

JAM WHAT I WEAR

IAMWHATIWEAR

IAMWHATIWEAR

DRESS HAS ALWAYS BEEN MY STRONGEST SUIT; ..

MY STRONGEST MY STRONGEST MY STRONGEST SUIT

(Lights f<Uk out as AMNERIS am! WOMEN cdt. The scmt dmolvcs the Pharaob~PrilNlk Banqua Room.) . .

SCENE 6: iH~ PHARAOH'S PRIVATE BANQUET ROOM r (T/1mBKOTIC DANCJJRS begin to dance, during the transition.

'MEREIJ:epters and immcdiatelj afar, RADAMES srarchcs him out. They mJSs the stage.)

RAD AMES Mereb, was the Princess plcascx! with my gift?

(Banquetguem laugh. PHARAOH is struck with a sudden pain and pauses to compose himself.}

Pa e25

I wan( to see her and our nation happily settled before I leave this world. TI1ercfore1 in seven days, Ila.dames, sori ofZoscr, will wed the Princess Amneris. The son of Isis has spoken.

(There is much applause and cheering. CO UR TIERS rush forward to congratulateAMNERJSand RADAMES. RADAMES is in shock; AMNERIS is delighted. Suddenly PHARAOH starts to cough rtp bwod. As he is hurried off accompanied by AMNERIS, MERES, COURTIERS and NUBIAN SERVANTS, AIDA and one or two NUBIAN SERVANTS remain. ZOSER turns to RADAMES.)

ZOSER, A toast to the bridegroom. Ifl'd known such an awkward girl could turn into such a srunningyoung woman,.! would have ol!ercd for her myscl£

RAD AMES It's not too late.

ZOSER I thought you loved Amncris?

RAD AMES Of course I do. We grcw·up together.

ZOSER Then what is it?

(RADAMES cannot answer.) . R.adamcs, I've spent years working towards this day. And you arc not going to ruin it-for yourself, or me! . . . ·

(Pause.) · Welcome to your n::W Ufe, son.

(ZOSJJR exits.) 'REF-A VORS 11iE BRA l'E (REPRISE)

RAD AMES (Ckar/y uptet.} · .

NOTHING IS AN ACCIDE!>lT WEARE FREE TO HAVE IT ALL WEAREWHATWE WANT TO DE rrs IN OURSELVES TO RISE OR FALL

THIS IS EASY TO BELIEVE

MEREB Yes. Aida managed to make herself indispensable in record time.

(Smiks.) I'm not surprised.

RAD AMES

(Stops walking and faces MEREB.)

!'age 23

Did she tell you anything about herself? Because rvc never n1et a woman like her before. And l can't help but wonder ...

MEREB No! Nothingl She said nothing.

(Points offitage. MEREB exits quickly fo!kwed by RADAMES. The EX011C DANCERS sweep dcwnstagc in an <estatic display. AIDA and NUBIAN SERVANTS enter and prepare a banquet tabk. The music builds. PHARAOH maim a grand entrance on a special sedan chair, carried on by PALACE SERVANTS. Heappean very ill. EGYPTIAN COURTIERS enter. RADAMES enters with AMNERIS.)

RAD AMES You look lovely tonight.

AMNERIS Thank you.

RAD.AMES Is this the latest fuhion?

.. v AMNERIS ·It is now. So ... your expedition went well?

·. . . . · RADAMES . . , .. ·\'es. We got well past Aswan, into rcrritoiywhcrc no %fptian has·evct set fuot.·

. AMNERIS . Really? That sounds vciy ... scenic. Maybe next time I'll g0 with you.

RAD AMES If you like, Princess. We sleep With sand mites, live on dried monkey meat, and this time the watcnyas so tainted we vomited fur days. , · . · · · ·

AMNERIS Then again, I'm pretty busy.

(The dfince dissolves jnto the Banquet scme, as the EXOTIC DANCERS show thtmsdvcs off to the rich and powctfal men of Egypt. AIDA is pouring wine. A NUBIAN SERVANT passes her.)

NUBIAN SERVANT Princess, the word of your arrival has spread through the Nubian camps.

DANCER Your people cannot wait to. sCe you.' Welcome, welcome.

(NUBIA/V SERVANT moves away quickfy. AIDA turns on MEREB who is trying to laok innoCCflt.)

·AIDA Meteb!

MERE$ Okay, so I told one person. Princess, your people need to know.

PHARAOH Captain. To a successful expedition. Thwb to the routes you have discovered, our troops will now be able to attack Nubia with overwhdming force. The gods willing, this long \Wt r shall soon end, with Egypt'• complete and linal victoxy.

(Mlibs "well Mne~) Amneris, shall r continue?

Whatever you tQjnk is best, Fath et. .AliWElUS

PHARAOH &.dames. You came to me this morning with a request .to set out on anoth~ journey. But 1

· hav~ a more important mission for you; Although it means you Cait never leave Egyptian •oi I agaih, I believe this will bi:-a joyo.us assignment. One I would only ·trust to a man I have long regarded .as a member of my owu f.unily.

RAD.AMES It has been my privilege to serVcyoU, Yout Majesty.

PHARAOH As you all know, C..ptain Ro.dames and my daughte~ have been betrothed for.nine years n""'l Long .enough, I say. · · . . .

No, stay.

WHEN DISTANT PLACES OILL TO ME 1rs HARDER FROM THE PAI.ACE YARD FORTUNE FAV0RS'rHE FREE

(AIDA waJches him .from the shaMws. Whm.RADAMES looks ttp, he spots her. AIDA backs away. 7be NUBIAN SERVANTS exit AIDA re1nains.)

AIDA Yes, Captain?

RAD AMES Where are you from?

. . AIDA Ikaita ••. it's a village near the Second Cataract.

RAD AMES (Together.)

••• near the Second Cataract. The river's an entlrely diffi:rent co for there.

, AlDA. No. _!t's an entlrdy dlfferent color here.

. RA.DAMES F.ir enough.

. AIDA' My father vand'1 used to <pend days sailing the Nile. He'd let nic cho.ose the coiitsc. Noel someclmes I'd run us aground on purpose ••• whenever I W..Ot'ecl. to see somcth:il){; on we shore;.' ·

RADAMM. · Did you ever sail. North?

AIDA No. My father felt the First Cal'U""ct. being~ close to the border ot Egypt,~ too dangerous a plaee to take me.

Page27

RAD AMES But there are no Egyptians.at the First Catarac~ .. Only these tiny, grassy islands. And tl1e sunlight is different there. In Egypt it is direct, harsh. But there it shimmers. It's the most beautiful place I've ever seen. .

AIDA Of course. res Nubia. I would like to see that part of my country.

ENCHANTMENTPASSJNG THROUGH

RAD AMES TO SAIL A WAY TO HALF DISCOVERED PLACES TO SEE THE SECRETS SO FEW EYES HA VE SEEN TO SEE MOMENTS OF ENCHANTMENT ON OUR FACES THE MOMENTS WHEN WE SMILE AND THOSE BE1WEEN

AIDA Are you talking about Nubia now?

RAD AMES Yes, i~ a way ...

. . AIDA IF I COULD LEAVE THIS PLACE THEN I'D GO SAILING TO CORNERS OF MY LAND WHERE.THERE WOULD BE SWEET SOUTHERN WINDS OF LIBERTI PREY A1LING .· THE BFAUTI.SO MAJESTIC AND SO FREE

RAD.AMES I would take you sailing. South. You could be my guide.

AftJA Would you let me steer?

RAD AMES Would you run us aground?

AlDA .... Oh yes. Wherever there arc no people. l' d jump out. of the boat, kick off my sandals and run. And there'd be no one there to scold me and tell me to behave like•-

'fo behave. (Catches henelfJ .

Pa <28

RAD AMES THERE'D BE NO TIES OF TIME AND SPl\.CE TO BIND ME

_ AIDA AND NO HORIZON I COULD NOT PURSUE

RAD AMES I'D LEAVE THE WORLD'S MISFORTUNES FAR BEHIND~

AIDA I'D PUT MY FAI11-i AND TRUST IN SOMETHING NEW

RADAMES & AIDA BUT WHY SHOULD I TELL YOU THIS

AIDA A STRANGER I'VE JOST MIIT

RAD AMES A WOMAN WHO I HARDLY KNOW AT ALL AND SHOULD FORGET

. RADAMES & AIDA AJOURNEY WE CAN ONLY DREAM OF ENCHANTMENT PASSING THROUGH AND How IS IT I SAY THESE THINGS SO FASILY TO YOU

RADAMES • . This is meaningless! I'll never take you sailing, I'm never going to lcavd~pt ag.iin. lim<:ad,J:'ll~t on the throne and send other men off on their expeditions, ·

AIDA You talk as though you've been enslaved.

RAD AMES ·Not with chains, maybe. But with a marriage promise.

(AIDA grabs her shawl) What's ·that fo~?

Pa e29

AIDA To dr.y my weeping cyci. Forced to marry a Princess? Oh, what hardships. I know-you want to go to lands where people have been living for centuries and say tha.t you "discovcredn them. But instead, you're being thrust o.nto the Pharaoh's throne. Ir is a great tragedy. ·

RAD AMES You go too far!

AIDA No! You go too far! If you don't like your fate, change it. You are your own master. There are no shackles on you. So don't expect pity or understanding from this humble palace · slave.

(AIDA stdrlS to leave.)

RAD AMES Stop. I command you to stop!

(AIDA M<t not obey. She exits.) BUT WHY DID I TELL HER THIS? A STRANGER I'VE JUST MET A WOMAN WHOM I HARDLY KNOW AT ALL AND WILL FORGET ANONYMOUSANDGONETOMORROW ENCHANTMENT PASSING TfiROUGH AND ALL I'VE DONE JS TELL BERTHINGS SHE ALREADY KNEW SHE KNEW •.. SHE KNEW • .,

(RADAMES exits. The lights fttde out. The scene changes to AM!'{ERJS} Dressing Room.)

SCENE 7: Jl.MNERLS'S D(lESSING ROOM ·· . . (AMNERIS is iliseovmd sitting at hlf'. dressing µand, brosbi11ghP hair, forcibly,. 41DA enurs.) .

AIDA Herc. Let me.

. · (She brush a AMNERIS' hair gmt/y.J . lfow is yout fathcr? . ·

. . AMNERIS . . . , · I don't understand it. This illilC... of his came on so sud.d.en!y. Weeks ago he .was healthy. And the court physicians, thcv have no idea what it is.

Pa •30

(Smiles suddenly.) Well it was ;i.'magnificent feast, wasn't it?

AIDA Yes, Princess.

AMNERIS . Oh, there is so much to do ~o get r~~y fur the wedding ceremony. ~rom the bronzed e,i./ry statue of me, to tl1e centerpieces offilics·and roses arranged to look like ... me.

AIDA It must be difficult.

AMNERIS. Planning a weddini;?

AIDA No. Being a princess.

AMNERIS . Oh, you have no idea. The responsibilities are ... overwhelming.

AIDA Your pe,opie.must expect so much.

·AMNERIS . They want a goddess and I'mjnst ...

AIDA· Human.

. A!YSTRONGESTSU!T(f/EPRISEJ : .

AMNEJ.US IMAYLFAVEAGRFATIMPRESSION /IS I RACE THOUGH A SUCCESSION OF THE LA.TEsT CRAZES, CHASE THE NEWEST FAD I FEEL BETTER WHEN BEGUIUNG · FINDUMTFASI:llONKEEPSMESMILING Bl}TIN ,MYIIBAR.TI~OWIT"S !.lA.THERSAD, ·

AIDA THAT A LIFE OF GREAT POTENTIAL IS DISMISSED, INCONSEQUENTIAL

• AMNERIS AND ONLY EVER SEE!\! AS BEING CUTE SO I'LL FLUTTER TO DECEIVE

AIDA OH NO. NO, YOU MUST BEU.EVE THAT ONE DAY YOU'RE BOUND TO FIND

A STRONGER SUIT (RADAMES mt=.}

AIDA/AMNERIS

AMNERIS

Pa e31

Radames! This is my bedchamber. You can't just ... You know you shouldn't ... Aida, leave.

RAD AMES No, stay. Pour the Princess· a cup of wine.

AMNElUS·.• Are you trying to get me drunk, Radames? You knowH s not nC=s:uy.

--.gf(;t .

Is that your bed in there?

AMNERIS Silk'covercd and fat with feathers.

r

. P-ADM'rl!S .. Why don't you go in and I'll join you in a.moment.

AMNERIS Radames ... arc you sure? We're going to be married in awcck.

RAD AMES Anincris, we've been erigagtd nine rears.

Pagr32

AM NERIS Good point.

(AMNERIS exits. RAD AMES turns to AIDA. She is intimidated w exit. R:/JDAMES blocks her path, standing too close.)

RAD AMES . You think you can speak to me like that, scold me like a shrew, then walk away? Yov ~"' ~ "-+ that I can have you carried off to tl1e copper 1nines.

AIDA And you forget that rm her property now, not yours.

It doesn't matter ... (Pause.)

RAD AMES

•. : because I know now that you are right.

What? (AIDA gives him a look.)

AIDA I'm shocked. Even in enlightened Nubfa, one never heats a man admit he's wtorq

- AMNERIS . (Of!ita?:e.)

Radames, I'm rCadf. -

·RADAMES I'll be right in, Princess. Aida; I was wro~. I have been selfish. If P~oh does n<>~ . recover, llgypt's going to need a new leader. 'A stro~ leader. A,nd I don't think tho-!-- 5 Amneris. .

(O~e•) ·· .· · Radamcs, come and daim your ki~oin.

You should go :to her. · AIDA

RAD AMES Were you a noblewoman bcfure yi>u 'Were-captured! . . . .

l'age33

AIDA What docs it matter? -TI1cre's nothing noble about me now.

RAD AMES You're wrong. You arc noble. A.114 cpurageous. Very few of us dare to speak so honestly. And considering you' re a slave ...

AIDA (Hurt.)

Yes, we mustn't ever forget that I'm a slave.

RAD AMES (Gently.)

I cannot take back the past, Aida. But even ifl could ... (He touches her.)

rm not sure I want to. Aida, I-

Ra dames! AMNERIS

(RADAMES and AIDA move apartjust asAMNERIS entm. She is wrapped in a sheet.)

You batge into my bcdchambers, waging a full frontal attack, so to speak ... and now you're stalling. Why?

RAD AMES I'm soriy. l didn't realize ...

. .·. AMNERIS . ]:here's • bu91<-n.kcd princess, lounging in her bed, calling your name. Whai exactly dido' t you realize? Bcfure our wedding night, ·pack up some of.that dried monkey meat and have the royal a.rt~hcr draw you a map of the female body, C.,ptain. Maybe then you'll be more inclined to come c:xplore. . ·. , - · . . .

. (RADAMES exitr. To AIDA.) ' Was it something I said? Wiren we were children we undwtood each other so wdl. Now he's a mystery to me. ·

(AMNERJS exits. AIDA remains, akme in herthoughtr, as the Dressing Room disrolves.)

SCENE 8: THE NUBIAN SLAVE CAMP (Mmic, MERER enters.)

· · MEREB . Aida, there you are. Will you come wiih DiC?

AIDA Where?

MEREB 111e Nubian camp.

(She turnsfrbm him and starts to walk away.) Look, everybody knows I'm the one who can get things. And our people ••.

(Sighs.} They've asked me to bring rhcm .•. you.

AIDA Why? So they can see a rcd<lcss fuol dressed as a servant?

(MERER starts to prot<st.) · That is what I am, Mereb. My furher told me not to leave tli<: bounclaties of our villag, But I could not be so constrained. I took Nchebka and rhe otlier women up rhe river. r 1ca.J< to see rhe countryside. And that is where rhe Egyptians atptured us.

(She t<Juches her dress.) I deserve rhis. And our people deserve a leader wJio th.inks of them. Not of lier oWn self,'.- "'-pleasutCS. · . .

MEREB Aida, rhe Nubians want rheir princess.

THEDANCEOFTHEROBE · ,

-AIDA irS KNOWING WHAT THEYWANf OF ME THAT SCARES ME IT'SKNOWINGHAVINGFQLLOWEDIMUSTL&\D. IT'S KNOWING THAT EA.CH PERSON-THERE COMPARES ME T(): Tl::JOSE IN MY PAST WHOM I NOW SUCCEED.· BUT HOW CAN WHATEVER I DO FOR THEM NOW ~BEFNOUGH .

BEFNOUGH . (NUB/ANS call ro AIDA as the li{:hts fade.up t<J rewd the NUBIAN SI.AYE CAMP.)·

NUllIANS AIDA!AIDA! ALL WEASKOFYOU IS AL!FETIME OF SERVICE, WISDOM, COURAGE' TOASKMORE-WOULOBESELFISH . BUT NOTHING LESS WILL DO AIDA!AIDA!

Page35

NEHEBKA (NEHEBKA and other NUBIANS hold a robe before AIDA made from scraps of cloth.)

YOUR ROBE SHOULD BE GOLDEN YOUR ROBE SHOULD BE PERFECT INSTEAD OF THIS RAGGED CONCOCfION OF THREAD BUT MAY YOU BE MOVED BYlTS DESPERATE BFAUTY TO GIVE US NEW LIFE FOR WE'D RATHER BE DEAD THEN LIVE IN THE SQUALOR AND SHAME OF THE SLAVE TO THE DANCE! TO THE DANCE!

NUBIANS GROUP 1 IDAJAIDA LLWEASKOFYOU

NUBIANS GROUP 2

ALL WEASKISALIFETIMEOF

. NUBIANS SERVICE, WISDOM, COURAGE TO ASKMORE WOULD BE SELFISH BUT NOTHING LESS WILL DO AIDAJAIDAJ

(Dance break.)

NUBIANS AIDAJ AIDAJ AIDAJ AIDAJ AIDAJ .

(AIDA breaks away fem MERES and NtlBIANS. MEREB mmcs to htr now holding the robe. AIDA seizes the robe from MEREB and moves to NUBIANSJ . ·

~ AIDA . I KNOW EXPECTATIONS ARE WILD ANDAIMOST BEYONDMYFULFILLMENTBUTTHEYWON'THFAR A WORD OFADOUBT OR SEE SIGNS OF WEAKNESS. MY NIGH ON IMPOSSIBLE DUTY IS CLFAR IF I CAN REKiNDLE OUR ANCESTORS' DRFAMS IT'S ENOUGH IT'S ENOUGH

Pagc36

AIDA NUBIANS ITS ENOUGH AIDA!

NUBIANS AIDA!AIDA! AIDA! AIDA! AIDA!

AIDA NUB!ANS IT'S ENOUGH! AHAHAHAHAHAH

(As the song ends, the NUBIANS gather round AIDA. The NUBIAN WOMEN exit. The NUBIAN MEN liftAJDA up with pride and parade her in a royal display before carrying her off as the scene dissolves to the Niles' Edge.} .

SCENE 9: THE NILE'S EDGE (The great washing day at the Nile} Edge. Under music, a pl!J'ade of WASHER WOMEN enw with baskets of laundry on their heads. A ritualUtk rhythm takes hold as the linens are soaked, wrung and beaten to dry. AIDA enters and joins in the work. RADAMES enters with a SOLDIER. Astheytalk,AIDAwatcheshimcovrrtly. RADAMES dimtistes the SOWIER.)

RAD.AMES (To AIDA.)

Y 9u were watching me-again. All week your o/cs have beep. on -me.

AIDA I don't know what you mean. -- ........

RADAMES · Do you think yoti're'going to claim y1>ur freedom, just because you've gained my attentlo~?' You are beautiful, but I'm not easilyled.

A1DA. If I've looked ln your direction, it was only to see if your chalice needed filling.

RAD AMES I have no chalice no".\' ... and yet you're looking.

(/JeAt.)

AIDA Excuse me, Captain, hut I have linen to wash.

f'Me 37

(AIDA moves away. The WASHJ:.11 WOMEN gradually exit during the scene st"nglj and in pairs.}

I do not excuse you. Stop there. (AIDA stops}

You wanted something from me?

RAD AMES

AIDA

RAD AMES Oh yes.

(She steps back at his insinuaJing tone. He becomes serious now.) I want to inake your life easier, Aida. Tell me ho\v. What cap I do for you?

AIDA Help my people.

RAD AMES I want to help you.

· AIDA I am my people. And I =i not continue to live in the comfott of the palace while my countrymen a:c dying. You want my "affection," Captain?

RAD AMES I could have your "aJ!Ccrion" right here if! commanded it. I want to know if you fi:d anything for me - aside from contempt. -

AIDA j ... I_ don't know; ~

Then let's find out. RADAMES

(RADAMES kisses her. MEREB-runs onstage.)

. Afda, I just saw- -MEREB·

(MEREB stops short upon seeing RADAMES andAIDA. He is shocked. . • They pull apart, f,'li/ty.) . Afda, Amneris requests youi'ptesence. . ' ·

.. (turns.to RADAMES as if explaining.)

Prt e 38 -The-Princess. Your betrothed.

(AIDA exits. MEREB and RADAMES remain onstage as the scene i'lltlif/ dissolv<> to the Martt"" durint the followi115 sow}

RAD AMES I ONCE KNEW ALL THE ANSWERS I STOOD ON CERTAIN GROUND A PICTURE OF TRUE HAPPINESS CONFIDENCE SO EFFORTLESS NO BRIGHTER COULD BE FOUND

OH,NO

RAD AMES I NEVERASKED THE QUESTIONS THAT TROUBLE ME TODAY I KNEW ALL THERE WAS TO KNOW LOVE WORN LIGHTLY, PUT ON SHOW MY CONQUESTS ON DISPLAY

MEREB

MEREB I CAN'T BELIEVE HE'S CHANGING

SCENE10:MARKETPLACE (MERCHANTS enur hawking their wares.)

RAD AMES MEREB AND WHO'D HAVE THOUGHT THAT OH, NO CONFIDENCE COULD DIE? NOT ME NOT ME NOT ME NOT ME THAT..ALLrToOKFORGRANTED WAS ALIE NOT ME NOT ME NOT ME NOT ME AND WHO'D HAVE GUESSED I'D THROW MY WORLD AWAY TO BE WITH SOMEONE I'M AFRAID WILL SAY THIS CAN NEVER NOT ME NOT ME BE

M!>IillB HE'S IN LOVE . . .. BUT HF,'S NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO'LL BE CHANGED

1

Pa e39

(AMNERIS and AIDA enter and walk between bhnkets and stands /,,oking at the displayed merchandise. AIDA picks up a piece of fabric.)

AIDA This would be lovely on you. I'll sir this for you Egyptians: your thread count is amazing.

AM NERIS Why hasn't Ra.dames come to sec me again? We're to be married in three days and yet ... Aida, I must make things right with him.

Aida.

AIDA I SHALL NOT ENVY LOVERS BUT LONG FOR WHAT THEY SHARE

AMNERIS AN EMPTY ROOM IS MERCILESS oON'T BE SURPRISED. IF I CONFESS I NEED SOME COMFORT THERE

AMNERIS & AIDA AND WHO'D HAVE THOUGHT ALOVE COULD BE SO GOOD? NOT ME NOT ME ' AND SHOW ME THINGS I J'!J}VERUNDERSTOOD NOT ME NOT ME

(Suddenly NEilEBKA rushes by AIDA, her anm .filkd with fad~ . She hat·a new ckJth thrDWll wer her shoukkr. It bi&ws out behind her.}

NEHEBKA

4~ki; where rud you get that! . AIDA

NEHEBKA fhe Egyptian Captain! He's giving away everything ht owns. And he's givfug ital! to us!

(NEHEBKA rushes offi AMNERIS and :.1.lDA look attach other in lima.umtnt as the scene amolves to JIAtlames' Tent.)

SCENE 11: RADAMES' TENT . (NUB!ANS and othrr EGYPTIANS wait hungrily at J?at!ames' Tent. RADAMIJS appe<m from the tent witha basket of food, atid a jug of

Pa e40

wine. MEREB appears with another bas kt handing out fruit. During the song, RAD AMES with MERER} help gives aWdf all his possessions tc NUBIANS and EGYPTIANS. The NUB/ANS and EGYPTIANS exit with thdr gifts:)

, AMNERIS & AIDA WHO'D HAVE GUESSED HE'D THROW HIS WORLD AWAY TO BE WITH SOMEONE TILL HfS DYING DAY NOT ME NOT ME

RAD AMES, AIDA & AMNERIS (A, JIJUJames' Tent disappears.)

AND WHO'D HAVE IBOUGHT A LOVECOULDBESO GOOD NOT ME NOT ME (MY/HIS) SECRETS & (MY/HIS) . PASSIONS UNDERSTOOD NOT ME NOT ME

RAD AMES, AIDA & AMNERIS WHO'D HAVE-GUESSED

·MEREB NOT ME NOT ME

NOTMENOTME

(I'D/HE'D) THROW (MYIHIS) WORLD · . AWAY . . . TO BE WITH SOMEONE TIL (MY/HIS)

DYING DAY . . . MEREB NOTMENOTME THISCANNEVERBE

(MEllElJ exits.) "

-- · AldNmus ~k, he's pr¢paring to move into the Palace. So, whatever doubts he had the other nigh+ mmi be gone. . (She tu,nu to kave.) But you stay, Aida. Ap<>logizc fur me., ,

AIDA Oh, no! I can't. . ·.''

. . .· . .. AMN"nms . Youcan. Youalwa~saythcrightthing; lncverdo,

AIPA Princess ••• please don't rnake me.

AMNEIUS I would never make you. But I ain asking you ... as my friend.

(AMNERIS exits just as RADAMESspots AIDA.)

.· AIDA TI1ankyou.

RAD AMES It was nothing. Actually, it was cvetything, but it doesn't matter.

AIDA

Pa c41

Captain, I came to tell you that the Princess is sorry about what she said the other night. And she wants you to know that... ·

RAD AMES Aida.

AIDA You are· betrothed to my misrress!

RAD AMES It was arranged by my father and it will'be unatrangcd by me.

AIDA You could raid another countty tomorrow and rebuild your fur-tune. Radames, you' re an Egyptian! Nothing will ever change that fact. I don't even know wl\yyou bothered to do this. . • . .

RAD AMES Don't you?

ELABORATE UVES .

RAD AMES WEALLLEAD SUCHELABORATELIVES. WILD AMBITIONS IN OUR SIGHTS .. HOWAN.f>FFAIROFTIIB!jFARTSURVIVES DAYSAPA!lTAND HVJµUED NIGHTS SEEMS QUITE UNBEUEVABLE TO ME I DON'TWANT'fO UYE LIKE THAT SEEMS QUITE·UNBELIEVABLE TO ME I DON'T WANT TO LOVE LIKE THAT I JUST WANT QUR TIME TO BE

SLOWERAND GENTLER, WISER. FREE

WE ALL LIVE IN EXTRAVAGANT TIMES PIAYING GAMEs WE CAN'T ALL WIN UNINTENDED.EMOTIONAL CRIMES TAKE SOME OUT TAKE OTHERS JN

I'M SO TIRED OF ALL WE'RE GOING THROUGH I DON'T WANT TO LIVE LIKE THAT I'M SO TIRED OF ALL WE'RE GOING THROUGH I DON'T WANT TO LOVE LIKE THAT I JUST WANT TO BE WITH YOU NOW AND FOREVER, PEACEFUL, TRUE

THIS MAY NOT BE THE MOMENT TO TELL YOU FACE TO FACE BUTICOULDWAITFOREVERFOR.THEPERFECTTIMEANDPLA<'..E

(AIDA wuclu:s.him, unabk to dmy her ftdings a11y kmger.)

AIDA & RADAMES WE ALL LEAD SUCH ELABORATE LIVES WE DON'T KNOW WHOSE WORDS ARE TRUE STMNGERS, LOVERS; HUSBANDS, WNES HARD TO KNOW WHO'S LOVING WHQ

AIDA TOO MANY CHOICES TEAR US APART I DON'TWANTTO LIVE UKE THAT

RADAMES. TQO MANY CHOICES TEAR US APART rnoN:'l'WANT,TO LOVE EIKl!.TitAt I JUST WANT TO TQllqRYOUR HEART

MAY THIS co==· BEIBEsfJ~&; RI.DAMES (/'hey l:iJJ. · The fights faik o.111. The tiif!ts come tip and it is some time /akr. RADAMESam/AIDA are in tac/J other} 1111111.) ·

Arcyoucoldl

AIDA ~ou could have at lea.st kept a bla:nket or two.

RAD AMES No. I could not. Mari enters this world naked, without possessions.

(RA.DAMES wraps his ama around her.} I want to be a new man for you, Aida. Reborn. Cleansed of my past sins.

(In the dmance, mililftry drums beat.)

AIDA What is it?

RAD AMES

Pa c43

My armies have·returned. Pharaoh will expect roe at the victory celebration. Go back to the palace. You'll be safe there.

(He starts to go.) Wait, take my amulet. If anyone bothers you, show them this and they'll let you pass.

(He kisses her and turns to leave.} ·

AIDA (Softly, almost to hme/f.}

I love you.

RADM1ES (Turning back.)

I heard that. (AIDA covm her mouth with her hand.)

Say it again. I command you. (He tries to peel her fingm fem her lips. They're both laughing. Then a SOLDIER runs on.)

Captain! SOWIER·

(RADAMESputsAJDA behind him, shieWng her with his body.) r .

. . . (To SOLDIER.) I heard the dtums. .

But we've captured the Nubian KIDj;l

. (Excitd.) The king? You've rakcn him alive?

RAD AMES

SO WIER

RAD AMES

SOLDIER Yes, Captain.

_ RAD AMES Find out which men are responsible for this. I'll see that they receive the highest honol" 5 Tell the others I'm on rnyway.

Yes, Captain. SOLDIER

(RADAMES watr:hes umil the SOLDIER has kji. then he turns to AIDA. She has backed awqy from him, her faee refkrnng her horror.)

RAD AMES Aida:, our couqtriCs arc at war. I can't change that.·

AIDA But he's my; •.

(Covering.) He's my King.

SCENE 12: THE NUBIAN SLAVE CAMP (AIDA pulls awqy from RADAMES. He realizes what he~ done-and haµs himself for it.- J0DAMES exits. A • mJJd of NUB TANS itppears and eircks AIDA. The light ChlttlfP and"" ' :·•at the. Nubian Slave Camp.) '

NEHEl!'.A Prin~ - ny it~s not trucl

MALE NUBIAN #1 I saw our King,dramcd through the streets with my own eyes.

" ' r.

FEMALE NUBIAN ill I've heard they've already executed him.

. . . . MALE NUBIAN ti2 And they're can:ying his h~d throughout the city on the end of a spike. . ' . ~ . .

AIDA ;No,. no!

MEREB Amonasro of Nubia is alive. I saw him taken. to tb.e prisOn.

' .

PMe45

NEHEBKA But it is only a matrer of rime before the Egyptians slaughter him.

MALE NUBIAN #1 J alway; imagined that your &ther w~uld march upon Egypt in triumph. But now we have no hope. When cl1e King dies - so does Nubia.

AIDA No! Nubia will never die. \Vb.ether we are ensla.ved or w?.ether we are fur from our native soil, Nubia lives in our hearts. And therefore ... it lives.

THE GODS LOVE NUBIA - - · · .

AIDA TAKE ME JN MY DREAMS RECURRING CHEERFUL AS A CHILDHOOD DANCE INTO ONE MORE TASTE OF FREEDOM ONE MORE LONGING BACKWARD GLANCE

(As she sings ... aftw.voicesjoin hm ... humming softlyw thesong they all . know very well.) ·

AIDA IN TIIB SWAY OF SOMBER MUSIC I SHAl:L NEVER. NEVER UNDERSTAND LET ME SLIP INTO THE SWEETER CHORUS OF THAT OTHER LAND ...

TIIB GODS LOVE NUBIA THE BFAUT!Fl}L, THE GOLDEN THE RADIAl.jt, THE.FERTILE THE GENTLllAND THE BLESSED .

THE PAIN OF NUBIA IS ONLY OF Um MOMENT THE DESOIATE, THE SUFFERING THE PLUNDERED, THE. OPPRESSED

MMMMMM MMMM¥M

MMMMMM MMMMMM

NUBIAN

HMM HMM HMM HMM HMMI-!MM HMMHMMHMM

HMM HMM HMM HMM HMM HMM HMM HMM

. . · NE!ffiBlqi. . THE GODS LOVE NUBIA, THEIR GLORIOUS CRFATION . THEIR SONGS ROLL SWEETLY.ACROSS THE HAR:!IEST PLAiN .

Pa e46

AIDA & NEHEBKA THE TEARS OF NUBIA HMM

HMM HMM

NUBIANS

A PASSING ABERRATION. THEY WASH INTO THE RIVER AND ARE NEVER CRIED AGAIN NEVER CRIED AGAIN

(The other NUB!ANS begin to join in ... some defamt ... some joyous.)

AIDA, NEHEBKA, MEREB & NUBIAN NUBIAN MEN WOMEN

THE GODS LOVE NUBIA OOH WE,HAVETOKEEPBELlEVING OOH TI-IOUGH SCll.TffiRED AND DIVIDED OOH WEARE STILL ITS HEART ·OOH OOH OOH

ALL TIIB FALL OF NUBIA EPHEMER!;LAND FLEETING TI-IE SPIRIT ALWAYS BURNING THOUGH Tl-IE FLESH IS TORN APART

TAKE MEIN MY DREAMS RECURRING Cf!EERFULAS A CHILDHOOD DANCE INTO ONE MORE TASTE OF FREEDOM ONE MORE LONGING BACKWARD Gl:ANCE

TI-IE GODS LOVE NUBIA, TI-IE BEAUTIFUL THE GOLDEN ·TI-IE RADIANT, THE FERTILE, THE GENTLE AND TI-IE BLESSED 'fH1l PAIN OF NUBIA.JS ONLY.OF THE MOMENT TI-IE DESOlATE, THE SUFFERING, THE P.LUNDERED, THE OPPRESSED

TI-IE GODS LOVE NUBIA, WE HA.VE TO KEEP !lEUEVING IBOUGH SCATrER.ED.AND DIVIDED. WEARE STILL ITS iiEAR1f TI-IE FALL OF NUBIA EPHEMERAL AND FLEETING TI-IE SPii.U'f

. ALWAYS BURNING THOUGH THE FLESH IS TORN APART TI-IE SPIRIT ALWAYS,BURNING THOUGH.THE FLESH IS TORN

AIDA AfART

ALL TAKE ME IN MY DREAMS RECURRING ONE MORE LONGING BACKWARD GLANCE

(Blackout.)

End of Act 1

ACT2 SCENE1:STARSCAPE

Pa e47

0fDA. RAD AMES and AM NERIS are alone in their thoughts, each in a uparate place.) ·

A STEP TOO FAR . .

AMNERIS rrs so STRANGE HE DOESN'T SHOW ME MORE AFFECTION THAN HE NEEDS ALMOST FORMAL, TOO RESPECTFUL NEVERTAKESROMANTICLEADS T!IBREARE TIMES WHEN I IMAGINE I'M NOT ALWAYS ON HIS MIND HE'S NOT THINKING WHAT I'M THINKING ALWAYS HALF A STEP BEHIND ALWAYS HALF A STEP BEHIND· OH, OH; OH, OH OH, OH, OH, OH OH, OH, OH, OH

RAD AMES I'M IN EVERY KIND OF TROUBLE C4N'TYOUTELL?JUSTLOOKATME HAlJ' ECSTATIC, HALF DEJl'.CI'ED ALL IN ALL I'M ALL AT SEA

EASY TERMS I THOUGHT I WANTED FILLME NOW WITH CHILLlNG DREAD YOU COULD NEVER KNOW THE CHAOS OF A LIFE TURNED ON ITS HEAD · . OF A LIFE TURNED ON ITS HEAD OH, OH, OH, OH

OH, OH, OH, OH RADAMllS &AMNERIS.

OH, OH, OH, OH OH, OH, OH, OH, OH

. AIDA !AM CERTAlNTHATI LOVE HIM BUT A LOVE CllN BE MISPLACED HA VE I COMPROMISED MY PEOPLE! 1N MY PASSION AND MY HASTE!

I COULD BE HIS LIFE COMPANION ANYWHERE BUT WHERE WEARE AM I LEADER? AM I TRAITOR? DID ITAI<EASTEP TOO FAR? DID I TAJO'A STEP TOO FAR?

AMNERIS IT'S SO STRANGE HE

· DOESN'T SHOW ME MORE AFFECTION THAN HE NEEDS

ALMOST FORMAL, TOO RESPECTFUL

NEVER TAKES · . ROMANTIC LEADS

THERE ARE TIMES WHEN I IMAGINE

I'M NOT ALWAYS ON HIS MIND

HE'S NOTTHINKJNG WHAT l'M"n!INK!NG

ALWAYS HALF A STEP BEHIND

ALWAYSHALFA STEP BEHIND

OH, OH, OH, OH·

OH, OH, OH, OH

RAD AMES I'M IN EVERY KIND OF TROUBLE

Ct\N'TYOU TELL? JUsTLOOKATME

HALF ECSTATIC, HALF DEJECIBD

ALLIN ALL I'M.ALLATSFA

EASY'ffiRMS I THOUGHT I WANTED

FILLMENOWWITH CHILLING DREAD

YOU COULD NEVER KNOW THE CHAOS

OFA IJFE TURNED ON ITS. HEAD

OFA UFE TURNED · . ONITSHEAD

AIDA

AlD;.:\ & RADAMFS

AIDA. I AM CERTAlN THA'T

ILOVEH.lM BUT A LOVE CAN

BE MISPLACED HAVEICOMPROM1 Sft>

MYPEOPLlli IN MY PASSION .

AND MY HASTE?

I COULD BE HIS l.JFECOMPANIO:W

ANYWHERE BUT . WHERE WEARE;

AMI LEADER? AM I TRAn'OR? ;

DID I TAKE A STE!'' TOOF.AR? .

DID 1 TAKEAMP TOOF.AR?·

SCENE 2: THE PRISON (The lights change and the set tramfonns to a prison ceU holdiog AMONASRO. AIDA and MEREB are with a GUARD. MEREB glances around and hands the GUARD a sack of gold.)

MEREB A word with the prisoner.

GUARD (Glanca around too, fl1hs sack.)

Alright, Mereb. But be quick about it. (GUARD exits. AIDA and MEREB enter the ceU.)

AIDA Father?

AMONASRO Aida? . .

P e49

(They nnbrace.) . . I knew you woul.d survive- that'J fiafoed my daughter well. Adeast, I would·not allow myself to believe anything else.

AIDA H'ave they mistreated you?

AMONASRO No, I believe they are saving that part for my execution ... three days from now.

. . AIDA It won't come to that. We'll get you out of here. · .

· . MEREB - .. In two days, the daughter of the Pharaoh will wed. Most of the guards will be needed to control the crowds. ·

Page50

AMONASRO And \vho is this )'oung !vfinister of War?

AIDA This is Mercb. You rc1.nerribcr ... Henu's boy.

AMONASRO I-Icnu. Your father was a great warrior. He had hopes you would grow up to be a ,~ 0 l Cl..c-

MEREB Sire. The chief jailer will attendArnneris' wedding. They've assigned a lowly guard to ·~ ... '- e. his place- a man r know.

AMONASRO You arc suggtscing you may be able to bcibe this £l=dl

MEREB Let's just say, we've done basiness in the past.

AIDA That would take a lot -0f gold.

MEREB I have it. For years fvc been stealing from the palace. I thought maybe, someday, I c .,,._,1~ use it to get back to Nubia. ButifI can send my Klnghomc •. , .

. AMONASRO W c will all be going home soon, Mcicb. Now, how arc. the docks gup.rded?

. . .

MEREB By the !%Ptain's soldiers.

AMONASRO So the odds arc slim. Can you use a sword, boyi

MmIBB Mc? Actually I'm better at providing encouragement from the sidelines

AIDA A fight wi:m't be ncoesmy. They'll let us thtough. .

· (AIDA tllka out the amukt RADAMES f;tlve her.) . . . . . . .

PatTe 51

MEREB Captain Radames gave you that?

AMONASRO Who is (his Captain? A.11 Egyptian?-

AIDA Yes, bur he's not like the others, Father.

AMONASRO lfe leads Pharaoh's army, but he did not lay waste to otir country like the others?

AIDA He regrets Ws past.

AMONASRO Aida! Do not shame yourself and me with such witless sentiment. Do not tell me tWs Egyptian grieves for the Nubian men executed, the women ravaged, and the children taken into slaveiy. Any soft look you have given· this Captain, any >oft word, berrays the innocents who suffered at Ws hands and at the hands of evety soldier he commands.

{Beat.) You will cut this man from your heart.

AIDA Yes, Father.

AMONASRO I wotild not have thought it possible that thes~ Egyptians eollid give inc one more reason to hate them. . . ·.

(The .lights fatk. A shaft of light remains on AIDA.)

EASYASUFE

AIDA THIS rs THE MOMENT WHEN THE GODS EXPECT ME TO BEG FOR HELP BUT! WON'T EVEN TRY . . I WANT NOTHING IN TllE WORLD BUT MYSELF TO PROTECT ME AND I WON'T LIE DOWN, ROLL OVER AND DIE

(MEREB mui AMONASRO exiJ as thi: Prison. Cell tlisappi:ars, dissolving ·to a solitary pW. where AIDA is k{i a/qne with her thoughts.) ·

ALL I HAVE TO DO IS FORGET HOW MUCH I LOVE HIM

Pagc52

ALL I HA VE TO DO IS PUT MY LONGING TO ONE SIDE 'IBLLMYSELFTHAT LOVE'S AN EVER-CHANGING SITUATION. PASSION WOULD HAVECOOLED AND ALL THE MAGIC WOULD HAVE DIED IT'S EASY .• IT'S EASY

ALL I HA VE TO DO IS PRETEND l NEVER KNEW HIM ON THOSE VERY RARE OCCASIONS WHEN HE STEALS INTO MY HEART BETTER TO HAVE LOST HIM WHEN THE TIES WERE BARELY BINDING BETrER THE CONTEMPT OF THE f<AMILIAR CANNOT START IT'S EASY IT'S EASY

UNTILITHINKABOUTHIMASHEWASWHENILASTTOUCHEP HIM . AND HOW HE WOULD HAVE BEEN WERE I TO BE WITH HIM TODAY THOSE VERY RARE OCCASIONS DON'T LET UP THEY KEEP ON COMING ALLI EVER WANTEDANQI'MTH.ROWINGIT AWAY IT'SEM>Y IT'S EASY AS LIFE

BUT THEN I SEE TIIE.FACES OFA WORN, DEFEATED PEOPLE AFATHERANDANATiciNWHO WON'T LET A COWARD RUN IS THIS HOWTIIE GODS REWARD THE FAlTHf-OL THROUGH 'fli E: AGES? . . . . ·. , FORCING US TO PROVE TIIAT ALL THE HARDEST THINGS WE'Vll::

•DONE.:. AREJlASY Sb EASY

AND TiiOUGH I'LL THIN.!;:ABOUT HIM TILL THE EARTH DRA wt' lNAROUNDME . .

.AND THOUGH I CHOOSE TO LEAVE HIM FORANOTHERKINi>Cl'F LOVE . . . .

THIS rs NO DENL\L,NO llETRAYAL. llUTREDEMPl'ION REDEEMED lN MY OWN EYHs AND IN IBE l?ANTIIBON ABOVE IT'S.EASY . . IT'S EASY AS iJFE

IT'S EASY AS LIFE IT'S EASY AS LIFE

(Black out.)

SCENE 3: THE WAR ROOM OF THE PALACE

Pa e53

(ZOSER is showing AMNERIS a giant map of the Nik. Thete is large table covered with maps and scrolls. A fow MINISTERS are present.}

AMNE!US But why did we invade Babylon?

ZOSER Because once we have control of the waterways, the rest of the world opens up to us.

AMNERIS Yes, but our Egyptian armies just stormed in and sciz.ed power? liow oppressive of us.

ZOSER Perhaps, Princess. But where do you think that beautiful necklace came from?

(He poinJs to her necklace. AMNERIS laoks down at i~ then mnovet it, placing it on ZOSER} table.)

Suddenly it's not so ~utiful, (RADAMES enters.)

You summoned me, father?

Princess. (AMNER/S steps into vkw.)

AMNERIS

ZOSER I've ·been explaining our foreign campaigns to Amneris.

Really? RAD AMES

. . ZOSER. Yes. Because she wanted to know ;what's bee.Ii preoccupying you of late.

AMNERIS - .... Radames, I feel like we .haven't.had a moment alone since you returned from Nubia.

(She ft/ks his hand.)

Pa e54

I miss you. Can'~ we spend this afternoon togecl1er?

RAD AMES Of course, of course, we can. But first, I'd like to have a word with my father.

(He kndJ h'er fir the dcor. He motcha up a scroll from his.father} mble.) Iiere, you can read this while you wait.

"TI1e Campaign at Kadesh. •

It will give us something to talk about.

I didn't realize we were at a loss for topics. (Sighs.)

But then there's a lot I haven't realized. (AMNERIS exitsJ

'Ibat was clever of you.

AMNERIS

RAD AMES

AMNERIS

RAD AMES

ZOSER I can't have you neglecting the girl. Not after all the trou.ble I've gone to.

RAD AMES You arranged a marriage;

ZOSER There ha.Ye been othet arrangements as wcU, son. Things I've done on your behaJ£

" RAD AMES

I haven't asked you to do anything fur mcl

ZOSER No you're right, you haven't because.you've been too busy whiling away the hours·with~~«t slave girL ·

RAD AMES Oh, yout spies ate goOd.

Pa e55

ZOSER Radames, you can have your little diversions, just wait until after you've wed. ·

RAD AMES Like you did?

ZOSER Your mother never had any complaints.

RAD AMES She never had any choice.

ZOSER (Exp/,HUS.)

Don't you realize that whore could cost you the throne?

RAD AMES I don't care •bout the throne, father. Because fm not like you. And I never will be.

LIKE FATHER LIKE SON (There ts an abrupt transttto.n 11[ the lights ehange. The War Room map and table disappear. MINISTERS ring the space surrounding RADAMES and ZOSER spoiGngfor a good fight.)

UKE FAIBER, UKE SON UKE FAWER, UKE SON

MINISTERS

ZOSER DON'T COME ON SO COCKSURE BOY YOU CAN'T ESCAPE YOUR GENES TI:i.Elm'S NO POINT IN FEELING PURE BOY YOUR BACKGROUND INTERVENES

USTEN GOOD AND LISTEN SI'RAIGHT YOU'RE NOT THE MASTER OF YOUR FATE ' TO THIS YOU MUST BE RECONCILED YOU'LL ALWAYS BE YOUR FATHER'S CHIW AT TIMES ACCLAIMED, AT TIMES REVILED YOU'LL WIND UP DOING JUST WHAT I'D HAVE DONE

Page56

ZOSER LIKE f-ATHER LIKE SON SON

RAD AMES DON'T ASSUME YOUR VICES GET HANDED DOWN THE LINE THAT A PARENT'S BLOOD SUFFICES TO CONDEMN THE CHILD'S DESIGN I'VE DONE WRONG I CAN'T DENY BUT AT LEAST I KNOW THAT I SHOULDN'T BLAME 11-iAT ON MY STOCK THIS MAY COME AS QUITE A SHOCK BUT I'M NO CHIP OFF ANY BLOCK

RAD AMES I WOULDN'T WISH THOSE WORDS ON ANYONE LIKEFATHERLIKESON . SON

ZOSER SON, YOU'RE NERVOUS, TAKE MY HAND ALL IS SETTLED, ALL IS PLANNED

MINISTERS

MINISTERS

YOU'VE GOTTifE WORLD AT YOUR COMMAND I DON'T THINK YOU UNDERSTAND

Do you really want to throw away your IUmrc? All fur some wretched slave!

RAD AMES She has a name!

v" ZOSER (Frustrated.)

In a few months, you won't even be able to remember her name!

RADA¥ES I APPRECIATE TOO WELL THE SQUALOR AT WHICH YOU EXCEL IT ISN'T VERY HARD TO TELL EVIL'SADISTINCTIVESMELL

You can forget about your plans, lather, There will be no wcddihgt . (RADAMES stotmS off. kavi11(; ZOSER horrifad.) -

•.

ZOSER HE'S LOST ALL SENSE OF REASON AND WHY? SOME FOREIGN SLUT NOT ONLY IS THAT TREASON SOME DOORS AJlE SLAMMING SHUT

JUSTLIKEMEHE'SFOUNDTHATFLESH O\N EXCITE BUT WILL ENMESH

ONCE WE RID HIM OF THIS BLIGHT ONCE THE HARLOT'S OUT OF SIGHT THEN I THINK HE'LL SEE THE LIGHT HE WON'T WALK BACK TO DADDY HE WILL RUN!

ZOSER KE f<ATHER LIKE SON

MINISTERS SON

ZOSER & MINISTERS LIKE FATHER LIKE SON LIKE FATHER LIKE SON LIKE f<ATHER LIKE

ZOSER SON

(ZOSER ttirm w his MINISTERS.) ad the slave girl called Aida. And when.you do •.• kill her.

(Blackout.}

SCENE 4: NUBIAN SLAVE CAMP (The lights come up on the Nubian Slave Camp. AIDA u discovered standing ti/one. Suddmly a NUBIAN WOMAN appears. She hands AID.t',,a folkd note and disappears. AIDA begins to read and RADAMES appean in her imaginadon, ,singing the kiter} contents.)

llADAJlfES' LETTER

. . RAD AMES I'M SORRY FOR EVERYTHING I'VE SAID AND FOR.ANYTHING I FORGOT TO SAY TOO WHEN THINGS GET SO COMPLICATED I STUMBLE AT BES1'MUDDLE THROUGH I WISH THAT OUR LIVES COULD BE SIMPLE. IDON'TWANTTHEWORLDONLYYOU

~· ..

Pa e57

Page58

OH I WISH I COULD TELL YOU THIS f<ACE TO f<ACE BUT THERE'S NEVER THE TIME NEVER THE PLACE SO THIS LE1"T'E'R WILL HA VE TO DO . I LOVE YOU

(With tha~ RADAMES is gone. A crowd of NUB/ANS, MERES and NEHEBKA have enured during the song and encircle AIDA. She hid;,, the letter in the. bosom of her dress)

MEREB Tomorrow Princess, you and your father will be free!

NEHEBKA. We will live to tell our grandchildren of the King's great escape!

MEREB Nubia will ptevail! Quiet!

(Stlddenly two GUARDS Sf'Qrm in/Q the Nubia~ encampment. MEREB backs off while others push AIDA back in/Q the crowd. Proteclively, NUBIANS surround AIDA, hiding her.) ·

GUARD#l We are here fur Aida. Which one is she?

(Before AIDA can Speak, a NUBIAN MAN clamps a hand.over her motah. More NUBIANS b~ck her from view. NEHEBKA steps forward.) · · . · . ·

NEHEBKA

· (The GUARDS drag NEHEiJKA away. AIDA ttruggks to free hemlf. But NUBIANS hold her until the GUARDS are gone.) .

MALE NUBIAN #1 · · ·• Forgive !"'• Pripoess. But you cannot be sacrifioed._ Evcxy .~on here ~ollld risk their' fur Nub1a, · · .. . . " · · .. · . · · · · ··

(Th~ NUBIANS begin.a tlllnce of anguish. AIDA is horrifid, but she sea whitt her role is t4 be. She stumblen1way. MEREB fotkwt her. The NUJJJANS exit.)

M.EREB Where arc you going? .

{She tl«mt amwer and she can} ~ok at him.) . You're going to meet him, aren't youl

AIDA Mereb. I do not ask you to understand. I do ni;>t understand. I must see him-

MEREB No.

AIDA But I do. I have to sec him-

MEREB (With the rage of the newly converted.}

Pa ,59

No! No! You cannot give yourself to him. The Egyptlans have taken enough from us already. You are our Princess, our inspiration, our protnise of a new day.

AIDA I'm sotrj, Mercb.

(She runs off. MEREB watches her go.)

HOWIKNOl\7YOU(l/EPRISEJ .~

MEREB THERE IS A TIME. Tri.ERE ISA PLACE WHEN LOVE SHOULD CONQUERALL THE REST OF LIFE IS PUSHED ASIDE

·... · ASTRUTHANDREASONFALL BUT ONLY IF THAT SELFISHNESS CAN LEAD TO SOMETIIING GOOD I THOUGHT I KNEW YOU PRINCESS BUTI NEVER UNDERSTOOD

IDON'TKNOWYOU I DQN'"t-KNOWYOU

(MERBB cdtr as the lights fotk out. The scene changes to Radames' Gartkn akmgtheNikRiver.)

SCENE 5: RADAMES' GARDEN (Night. Al the lights ctfme up, PADAMES is d;,covern! walking the Nik, bereaved. AIDA mters. They stare at each other for a moment then embrace passionauly.)

Aida! I thought you were ••• RAD AMES

Pan60

AIDA Thcyaune for me. But they took another. I b!:une myself.

RAD AMES No. I put you in danger. But I sweat; it 0ll never· happen again.· I'm calling off the wedding. I am going to build you a house on an isknd at the border of our countries. And we will sail the Nile.

AIDA OhRadames-. (She wps hmdfshort; reali= this foib her flflher} <SCdf'< plans.) No! Youcan't. Youcan't<:alloffthewcdding!

(AIDA pull; out of RADAMES' 11nm and steps away.)

RAD AMES Yes, I cm. And I will.

AIDA l l<;>ve.you, !Udames. But you mustmarsy the .Princess .omorrow. Tomorrow, What yau want for us "is impossible. They would hunt us down. It is ·a roolish plan.

RAD AMES I can find a way ror us to·be .tagether.

l\"RITTEN IN THE STARS · . ·

AIDA. IAM HERE TO TELL YOU'WE CANNEVERMEET AG!\IN . SIMPLE RF.ALLY ISN'T m A WORD OR TWO AND TIIEN AUFETIME OF NOT KNOWING WHERE OR l-iOW OR WHY OR WH~ ..

.YOU THINK OF MB QR. SPF.AK OF MEANDWONDER WHAT.BBFEl-1-THAT S()MEONEYOU ONCE LOVED SO· LONG AGO, SO WELL

RADAMBS· NEVER WONDER. WHAT l0LLFEELAS UVING SHUFFLES lW

. YOUDON'THAVETOASKME.ANDINEEDNOTREPLY EVERYMOMENTOFMYUFEFROMNOWUNTILIDIB IWlLL THINK OR DREAM OF YOU AND FAIL TO UNDERSTAND HOW A PER.FECf LOVE CAN BE CONFOUNDED OUT OF HAND

lS IT WRI'rI'EN IN TI-IE STARS?

ARE WE PAYING FOR SOME CRIME? IS THAT ALL THAT WEARE GOOD FOR JUST A STRETCH OF MORTAL TIME? OR SOME GOD'S EXPERIMENT IN WHICH WE HA VE NO SAY! IN WHICH WE'RE GIVEN PARADISE BlJT ONLY FORA DAY

AIDA

Page6~J __

Many the Princess, Radames. You can help my people. This could be our chance to do something imporranc. Oon't you sec? It 1nay be the whole reason we met.

RADAMES 111en it would be a cruel trick!

AIDA Not if the Gods put us togethct for some greater purpose.

NOTHING CAN BE ALTERED, THERE IS NOTHING TO DECIDE NO ESCAPE, NO CHANGE OF HEART, NOR ANY PLACE TO HIDE

RADAMEs YOU AREALL I'LL EVER WANT BUT THIS I AM DENIED SOMETIMES IN MY DARKEST THOUGHTS I WISH I'D NEVER LEARNED. . ..

RADAMES&AIDA WHAT IT IS TO BE IN LOVE AND HAVE THAT LOVE RETURNED

AIDA IS IT WRITTEN IN THE STARS? . AREWE'l?AYING FOR SOME CRIME? IS THAT ALL THAT WE ARE GOOD FOR. JUST A STRETCH OF MORTAL TIME?

·RADAMES·&AIDA OR SOME GOD'S EXPERIMENT IN WHICH WE HAVE NO SAY? IN WHICH WE'RE ·GIVEN PARADISE BUT ONLY FORA DAY

Page62

RAD AMES I will do what you .ask of me. But you must also do something for me. Go hi me, leave Egypt forever.

AlDA What are you saying?

RAD AMES While I am taking my wedding vows, there will be a boat waiting fur you at the docks to return you to NUbia. At lea.St I will have a measure of happiness knowing you are free.

(RAD AMES kisses AIDA one /aJt time and leaves. AIDA looks t<J the sky .•. knowing her gods have provtlkd the way. The irony of it nwly breaks her in two. She exits in the opposite dfrection. AMNERIS emerges from the shadows. She has seen and hMrd evetything.)

IKNOl'VTHETRUTH ·

AMNERIS HOWHAVEICOMETOTHIS?. HOW DID I SLIP AND FALL? HOWDID ITHROWHALFALIFETIMEAWAY WITHOUT ANYTHOUGH'.f AT ALL?

THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN MY TIME. IT'S OVER- IT NEVER BEGAN I CLOSED MY EYES TO SQ MUCH FOR SO LONG AND I NO LONGER CAN

ITRYTOBLAME !' 0NFORTONE SOME KIND OF Si11FTINASTAR

r mJTIKNOWTHJ'. TRUTHANDITHAUNTSME IT'S FLoWN JUST A LITI'Lll TOO f-AR I l<NOWTHE TRUTH AND IT MOCKS ME I KNOW THE TRUTH.ANb IT SHOCKS ME rrs FLOWN JUST A LITI'Lll TOO FAR

(The scene Jis!Dlves aroundAMNIJRIS t<J.her Dressing Room as she continues to sing.)

SCENE 6: AMNERIS' Df:lESSING ROO.M (HANJJMAIDENSappeartodmsAMNER!Sforherwddingto RAD.AMES. They presenl her with.a fantAstie wedmngr;own . . She

stands liftless, stiU reeling from the shock of what she witnessed as the HANDMAIDENS dress Im)

AMNERIS WHY DO I WANT HIM STILL? WHY WHEN THERE'S NOTHING THERE? HOW TO GO ON WITH THE REST OF MY LIFE TO PRETEND I DON'T CARE THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN MY TIME IT'S OVER - IT NEVER BEGAN . I CLOSED MY EYES TO SO MUCH FOR SO LONG AND I NO LONGER CAN

I TRY TO BLAME IT ON FORTUNE SOME KIND OF TWIST IN MYFAT.E BUT I KNOW THE TRUTH AND IT·HAUNTS ME I LEARNED IT A LITTLE TOO LATE

OH I KNOW THE TRUTH AND IT MOCKS ME I KNOW THE TRUTH AND.IT SHOCKS ME I LEARNED IT A LITTLE TOO LATE TOO LATE

Pa e63

(AMNERIS is now fatly dressed and stands there a/Qne on the stage like a painud_ iife-si=l doU. The scene dissowq ~ a haU in the Pharaoh~ Palac< as PHARAOH, ZOSER. RADAMES and LADIES OF THE PALACE enm-.) . .

. SCENE 7: THE ROYAL WEDDING · (ZOSER, PHARAOHand LADiES OF THE PALACE are in attendance. RAD AMES tafu his t>/Me iJt AMNERIS' siM. He fqpks as numb and duty boun4 ~she. The PHARAOH, sicker than ever, pr~.) .

PHARAOH . k witnessed by the Gods and all of Egypt, I pronounce you man and wife. May your lives ·be 61led furcvcr with thejoy of this moment. · ·

. (RADAMES moves to liftAMNERIS' veil A GUARD enten mddmly.)

GUARD#l Your Majesiy, the Nubian King has escaped!

Pa c64

PHARAOH Radamcs, call your inen to arms.

RAD AMES Fan out across the city!

ZOSER TI1c fastest route to Nubia is by water. Send a regiment to search tl1e docks.

RAD AMES (Remembers AIDA.)

No! Seal off the docks!

ZOSER

RAD AMES No one must reach the pic;r before I arrive there.

(Chaos ensues. PHARAOH, AMNERIS and LADIES OF THE PALACE exit. RADAMES andZOSER exit together with the GUARD. The dissipation of the wedding e<remony dissolves into the next sequence at the Docks.)

SCENE 8: THE DOCKS (A muill boat j/ottls at the water} edge. It is tied to the Mck by a heavy rope. AIDA ent=, wearing RADAMES' amuktaround her neck. MEREB mt= withAMONASRO.)

MEREB Prinecss, we J.UUSt !iimy. They've sounded the alarm, .

~ (AMONASRO climbs into th• boat assisted by MEREB as RAD AMES ltppean.) .

AIDA Radames!

AMONASRO Aidal Undo die rope.

AIDA Forgive me, Father, but I need one last moment with him. ·

Patre65

AMONASRO

Daughter! (She leaves the boat and runs to llADAMES.)

RAD AMES Of course, you're the Nubian Princess. And you had me marry A.mneris just so your king could escape. What a fuol I am. It was all a lie. An ace Evety word. Evety kiss.

AIDA No! But I have made too many mist.akcs and too many people have suffered. I could not act selfishly now.

RAD AMES So you lied to me?

AIDA Not when I said I love you. Say you believe me.

She's.alive?

Stop there!

Aida, come!

(As RADAMES struggles to find the answer. ZOSER and a GUARD appear on 'the rise.)

ZOSER (To the GUARD.)

(MERED rushes forward. He stands in font ofZOSER. brandishing a nwrd.)

MER.EB

(MEREB and GUARD fight! MEREB c«tsdown GUARD.)

AMONASRO

RAD AMES Aida, get in the boat! This is your last chance.

NotwithoutMereb. AIDA

· · · ZOSER Gci out of my way, boy. . • · . .

· .(ZOSER pulls h1i nwrd and euts MEREB down '!fter a brief fight.)

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Mereb! AIDA

(AIDA puUs away from liADAMES and runs to MEREB. RAI>AMES take, MEREB ';f '!"ord and lifo it high above the rope that secures the boat.) . ·

ZOSER Radamcs! For die love of Egypt stop them!

(RAD AMES brings bis sword down on the rope ... severing it.) Nooooo!

AMONASRO Aida!

(The boatwithAMONASRO is swept away ... )

ZOSER Radames! What have you donel

RAD AMES It's all over, Father. When they come fur me, they'll take you away too.

ZOSER No - that can't happen- Egypt needs me- ·

RAD AMES You're the one who tied our fates together. Like father; like son. I think you should run.

(ZOSER exitsJ .

AIDA Radam<:S. ,,Ue's ...

Fotgive ine, Princess. I failed you.

AIDA No •.• neverl You, Mereb, inspired me.

·MEREB I Wllllted to go back to Nubia. Aida, take me home. · .

(AJDA holdiMBREB tts he dies. RADAMES movesforward and bfo AIDA into his mms. Two GUARDS eiiur and suff>Jund the

lovers as. the scene changes to the judgment Hall with a throne for PHARAOH and next to it a smaller throne for AMNERJS.)

SCENE 9: THE JUDGEMENT HALL (AM NERIS enters-and approathes RAD AMES and AIDA as the GUARDS puU them apart. shackling their hand, and fiet. AIDA is dragged to one side, leaving RADAMES andAMNERJS together.)

RAD AMES \mneris. I never meant to hunyou.

(Suddenly drums sound announcing PHARAOH'S arrival PHARAOH. MINISTERS, COURTIERS and SOLDIERS begin to jik on upstage. AMNERIS is panicked.)

AMNERIS Radames, if you deny everything there is a chance. My father might spare your life. Listen to me, they want to bury you alive.

RAD AMES Yes. That's What we do to traitors.

AMNERIS You must say that cvc;:iyonc is wrong and-

RADAMES No, I eao't. Aida is everything I thought I was meant.to be. But her courag~ and her love . fur her people have put me to shame. Eve!}' a«t of my lifu has been wrong, except for this.

AMNERIS Did you ever love me ot all?

RAD AMES Amneris.

(He touthes her cheek gently.) I've loved you all my life.

(The GUARD Jrau RADAMES away. pushing him to one side. A GUARD forces AIDA to her knees. Angrily. AMNER!S cal!.t to him.)

Take your hands offhcrl AMNERIS

After . (AMNER!S crosses to.AIDA.) . all, she is a ps;incC.s.

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(The GUARD baeks away, leaving AIDA standing.)

AIDA Amncrls, d1erc were so n:any ci~me.s I wanted to tell you evcrycltlng. but I couldn't. ·

AMNERIS No wonder you understood me so well.

AIDA Amncris, you must believe me. I run to blame for what has happened. Not Radam,,.s , Please, let Jilin live. Amneris let Jilin live.

AMNERIS · I can,t. ,

AIDA Yes,you·can. Youlovehlm! Don'tyoulovehim!

PHARAOH Amncris let us begin.

(AMNER!S tnka her place next to her fatlur J Bring forth the prisoners.

• · (AIDA am! RAD AMES are pushed forward. To AMNERISJ Zoscr has been apprehended, and we have uncovctcd his plot. Radamcs, I chose you. I tnuted your father. Now I will make things right while I scill can.

(PHARAOH tums to the llSfdn.b'/yJ 1he criminals will rccclve their •entences! ·

Father, I hats' a request. .AMNERIS

v

PHARAOH A request?

AMNERIS , . llmow the traitors must die fora'imcs against Egypt. .This is the law. But I would ask that the pdSQncrs be allowed to die together. ·

PHARAOH But that would be mcto/-altcr they dfygm:cd you bcfurc the cntfu>~cion.,

I was wronged. It should be my decision.

You don't know your own mind ... (.A_ pronouncenzent.)

For their crimes, the traitors-

Page 6'"'9 __

AMNERIS

PHARAOH

AMNERIS Your Majesty, you have poison in your blood. We both know this. Soon I will be eomplerely alone, because everyone I love will be gone. So you must allow inc to exercise my will over Egypt. Because I am to be your successor. And because I demand it.

(PHARAOH studks AMNERIS a long moment, then nods and waves her fonuard. To the PEOPLE.)

For their crimes, the ·uaitors will be buried beneath the sands ·of Egypt, in one tomb ... together: The Daughter of Isis has spoken.

(AMNERIS turns and rum off, unable to watch. The music begins and AIDA and SADAMES are isolaud in specials. Behind them, the judgement Hall disappearr as PHARAOH. MINISTERS, COURTIERS and GUARDS exit. In the darknes< of a ceU, AIDA and RAD AMES are alone, tog#her.) ·

ELABORATE LIVES (/lliPIUSE)

AIDA WEALL LEAD SUCH ELABORATELIVES WILD AMBITTONS IN OURSIGHTS HOW AN AFFAIR OF THE HEART SURVNES DAYS APART AND HURRIED NIGHTS SEEMS QlJITE UNBELIEVABLE TO ME

~~~~~~~=~~~E I DON'T WANT TO LOVE LIKE THAT I JUST WANT OURTIMETO BE SLOWERAND GENTLER, WISER, FREE

WE ALL LIVE IN EXTRAVAGANT TIMES PLAYING GAMES WE CAN'T ALL WIN UNINTENDED EMOTIONAL CRIMES TAKE SOME OUT TAKE OTHERS IN

TOO MANY CHOICES TEAR US APART IDON'TWANTTOLIVELIKETHAT

Pa <70

TOO MANY CHOICES TEAR US APART I DON'T WANT TO LOVE LIKE THAT IJUSTWANTTO KEEP YOUR HEART MAY THIS CONFESSION BE THE START

I KNOWYOU'.LL GIVE ME COURAGE TO f<ACE WHAT I MUST FA c !'" WITH ALL THESE COMPLICATIONS !N ANOTHER TIMEAND PLACE

AIDA & RADAMES WE ALL LEAD SUCH ELABORAIB LIVES WE DON'T KNOW WHOSE WORDS ARE TRUE AN AFFAIR OF THE HEART SURVIVES ALL THE PAIN THIS WORLD CAN DO

RAD AMES I'M SO TIRED OF ALL WE'RE GOING THROUGH I DON'TWANTTO LIVE LIKE THAT

. AIDA I'M SO TIRED OF ALL WE'RE GOING THROUGH I DON'T WANT TO LOVE LIKE THAT IJ(JsTWANTTOBEWltHYOU . NG>WAND FOREVER PEACEFUL TRUE

(During the song. the Tomb first seen in .the Pro/of:"' has appeared.)

SCENE 10: THE INTERIOR OF THE TOMB

!t' sso dal'.\>.

(The tomb coma forward. Two GUARDS forceAlDA and RADAMES intu the tumb. The GUARDS exit.)

AIDA

' . RADAMF.S : Give m~ your hand. I'm right here With you. There. is anothct .world wai

0

tliig for~· ~o... I can fccl It. The w>.y I always knew there was a wopd beyond cvc:iy bend in the Nile. J~ s4 waiting to be discovered. . · · · ·

AIDA 'ou will find me in that world?

a

P([-(Te 71

RAD AMES !fl have to seard1 for a hundred lifetimes, I will find you again, Aida.

RAD AMES THERE'D BE NO TIES OF TIME AND SPACE TO BIND US

AIDA .AND NO HORIZON WE COULD NOT PURSUE

RADAMES AND AIDA WE'D LEA VE THE WORLD'S MISFORTUNES f<AR BEHIND US .AND I WILL PUT MY FAITH AND TRUST IN YOU

(/ls the lights fade out on AIDA and RADAMES, It singk shaft of light appean follDwed by It starbunt which fills the stttge with lights.}

EPILOGUE: THE MUSEUM (AM NERIS entm, drened min the Prokgue: Pharaoh ef Egypt.

. AM.NERIS sin .) · . &lW:*''n1wm•E4wn1rn11P1u1a

-AMNERIS . FROM DEEP WITHIN THE TOMB A GENTLE LIGHT STILL SHONE SHOWING MEMY PATH ·AS I.ASCENDED TO THE THRONE .

.-.CERTAININMYHEART · c'THAT ANCIENT WARS MUST CEASE -"*l:IBLOVERS' DEATH GAVEBIRTif TO A REIGN OF PEACE

~ . . . .

/l futTI'lEIRSTORY AND.MYJOURNEY · At;lb TIIELESSONTHEYPROVIDE . . ::>lµi.WTHEIRSTRENGTHAND ~SPIRATION f'~OM A LOVE THAT NEVER DIED

"~-'(We are.retuming to our own time and the Museum min the Pro&gue. .. Once again, the conkmporttty erowd glllhm around wtrilJllJ exhibits. :: .AMNERIS returns to,,.,. glass en=emmt. The MAN /RADAMESJ and ::·:the WOMAN (AIDA) tlrased infashibns oftodq drde the 11UJde/ ofa (;'°mb as before. Ya, they know this plaq. TIJey look up. Their eyes meet. o ·The MAN and WOMAN mDll< fOW(ln{ each other. Fatk to.black.) ,f At:t2 .