ACT 1

The timeless love story of the Egyptian captain and the captured Nubian princess comes
from the opera of the same name by Guiseppe Verdi. Elton John and Tim Rice have
brought a wonderful life and excitement in this musically updated version of AIDA.

The story opens in a contemporary museum where Amneris, the eventual
Pharaoh, is on display, as well as a tomb and various Egyptian artifacts. A young man and
woman enter as visitors, and as they encounter each other, there seems to be a connec-
tion between them.

The scene changes to ancient Egypt where Radames, the young captain, and his
soldiers are returning from Nubia where they have raided that land. They have brought
back several captives including a rebellious young woman who challenges the soldiers.
Radames makes her wash his back to make her realize she is now a slave. She continues
to be defiant, and Radames sees in her something different and regal.

As Radames meets his father, Zoser, the chief minister, he saves Aida from the
copper mines and decides to present her as a gift to his betrothed, Amneris, daughter of
the Pharaoh. Zoser and his ministers are involved in a plot to poison the Pharaoh, marry
Radames to Amneris, and thereby control Egypt.

Mereb, a young Nubian and servant to Radames, recognizes Aida and declares
that she could mean hope to her captive people, but Aida asks him not to reveal her
identity.

We first meet Amneris in the baths as she declares that fashion and beauty are
her “Strongest Suit”. Aida is presented to Amneris as her hand-maiden.

At the Pharaoh’s banquet, the Pharaoh, exhibiting his illness due to the poison,
declares that after a 9-year betrothal, Radames and Amneris will finally be married. Zoser
sees this as the culmination of his plot, but Radames feels trapped by his father’s ambi-
tion and marriage to a woman he does not love. He has met someone who is everything
he wants, but she is forbidden to him. At the end of the scene, Radames and Aida have
their first "close encounter".

As Aida attends Amneris, the two women comment on the life of a princess,
even though Aida is careful not to reveal her identity. Radames visits and, in a ruse to get
rid of Amneris, offers to meet her in the bedroom. He begins to declare his feelings to
Aida, but is interrupted by Amneris, who is ready to receive Radames into her bedroom.
He rejects her and Amneris begins to realize that things are not as they were.

The scene changes to the Nubian camp where the people offer a “robe’ to
Aida, who is relunctant to accept this charge. As the slaves call to her in an exciting tribal
dance, Aida finally accepts the “mantle of responsibility" .

As the life of Egypt continues, the slaves are washing clothes at the Nile. Radames chal-
lenges Aida and kisses her for the first time. Mereb sees this and reminds him that he is
betrothed.

The scene moves to the market where Aida and Amneris are shopping.
Amneris, Radames, Mereb and Aida sing that about how things can change. Who would
have thought? “Not Me". During this, Nehebka runs in and says that Radames is giving
away all of his belongings to the slaves. Aida sees this as a gift to her people. Amneris
sees it as a plan to move to the palace. Amneris sends Aida to thank him, but Aida ends
up in his arms as they declare their love for each other.

A soldier rushes in and says that they have captured the Nubian king. Radames
s triumphant, but, of course, Aida realizes that her father is now in captivity.

As the act ends, Aida visits her people to comfort them, give them hope, and
make them realize that “The Gods Love Nubia.”