Lakmé

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SYNOPSIS

Act 1

The opera is set in an imaginary exotic location, alluding to a British-colonized India. Nilakantha, a fanatical rebel, has set up a hideout—a sanctuary in ruins—from which he organizes the revolt against the invaders. His daughter, Lakmé, is, the pure being who can intercede so that the god Brahma may grant salvation and vengeance for him and his followers. Her incantations are listened to by all with reverence and hope.
Ellen, the daughter of the British governor, Rose, her friend, and their governess, Ms. Bentson—along with two British officers (Gérald and Frédéric)—get lost and end up at this refuge. Frédéric realizes they are on the territory of the dreaded Nilakantha and that they face certain death if discovered by the Hindus. The coquettish Ellen spots Lakmé’s jewels and asks Gérald, her fiancé, to sketch them so she can adorn her wedding dress with them. Left alone, Gérald is surprised by Lakmé. The two are instantly drawn to one another. Nilakantha is furious to learn that a stranger has dared to desecrate his sanctuary and swears revenge.

Act 2

Nilakantha, disguised as a beggar, and Lakmé, dressed as a street singer, appear in the bazaar, where merchants are loudly and aggressively hawking their wares, much to the exasperation of the British. Nilakantha forces Lakmé to sing, hoping that her voice will attract the foreign intruder, whose identity he is obsessed with. Indeed, Gérald approaches, captivated by his beloved’s voice, but Frédéric cautiously leads him away. As if spellbound, he returns, finds Lakmé again, and together they dream of a happy future. A procession of fanatical Hindus appears, singing odes to the goddess Durga to protect them in battle. Nilakantha stabs Gérald and flees, convinced he has killed him.

Act 3

Gérald was saved from death by Lakmé, who used secret remedies, with the help of Malika and Hadji, her loyal servants. Her spells give him strength. When he recovers, the two of them resume their naive dream of a happy life far from the world, where they believe themselves to be safe. Lakmé follows couples of lovers to the sacred spring to bring holy water that will unite them forever. Left alone, Gérald is discovered by Frédéric, who urges him to wake up from his dream of love for a Hindu woman. He reminds him of his London fiancée, Ellen, and his duty to serve the British Crown.
Returning, Lakmé drinks from the cup, but Gérald hesitates. Sensing that he is no longer the same, that his thoughts and heart are no longer pure, Lakmé poisons herself. However, Gérald drinks from the ivory cup filled with holy water, thus ensuring that Nilakantha, who has just appeared, will no longer be able to touch him—the Brahmanic faith has saved him. If a purifying sacrifice is needed, it will be Lakmé’s.