Premiered: May 22, 1872 - Opéra-Comique, Paris
Other Popular Opera Synopses:
Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor, Mozart's The Magic Flute, Verdi's Rigoletto, & Puccini's Madama Butterfly
Setting of Djamileh:
Bizet's Djamileh takes place in Cairo, Egypt.
The Story of Djamileh
Within the palace, Haroun finishes his day relaxing in his chair as he smokes. Joined by his servant, Splendiano, the two men chat about the events that took place. While Splendiano is looking over Haroun's accounts, Haroun's slave and mistress for the month walks by. Haroun doesn't notice her as she stares longingly into his eyes. Moments later, Haroun asks Splendiano of Djamileh's whereabouts. Splendiano says she is surely near. Haroun says he will miss her companionship, but will need a new lover at the beginning of the month. Splendiano asks his master if he has feelings for Djamileh, but Haroun says no, for he knows of no love, only love itself (his heart is as a desert). This gives Splendiano hope, because he loves Djamileh.Later that evening, Haroun orders dinner to be served. As the servants bring out the food, Djamileh enters and tells Haroun of her frightening dream. She dreamed that she was drowning and calling out to help, but no one came to her rescue. Haroun, surprised by the tiny spark of affection in his heart, comforts Djamileh and tells her that everything will be okay.
The next evening, Haroun has several friends stay over at the palace so that they can play games of dice. Haroun gives Djamileh a beautiful necklace, but before Djamileh can leave the room, she is seen by Haroun's friends. They harass and take delight over Djamileh. Djamileh is upset that Haroun did not protect her, and she is comforted by Splendiano. Hoping to win her over, he tells her she must gain her freedom, and that when she does, she should give herself to him because he loves her. Djamileh makes a deal that if she disguises herself as a new lover for Haroun and he does not take delight in her, she will leave and marry Splendiano. After Splendiano leaves, Djamileh wonders anxiously if her decision is the right thing to do.
A while has passed, and Splendiano interrupts Haroun's gambling by introducing the month's new dancer. Irritated, Haroun watches the new girl, but quickly loses interest and returns to playing his game. Splendiano brings in the disguised Djamileh, certain that Haroun will pay no attention to her since he is too involved with his gambling. As Djamileh dances, Haroun cannot look away. He asks Splendiano to take his place at the table. As Haroun approaches the dancer, he recognizes that it is Djamileh. He finally learns that she loves him, and as he lifts her veil, he realizes he loves her too.
