Act 1:

BEFORE THE WAR: EGYPT IS THREATENED BY THE ETHIOPIANS.

Ramfis, the country’s religious leader, declares that the goddess Isis has appointed the new commander of the Egyptian army. Radamès, a young captain of the guard, hopes to be able to assume this honourable task. He is secretly in love with the Ethiopian slave Aida, who has until now concealed her royal status – even from Radamès. In the event of victory, Radamès would like to make Aida his wife. However, Amneris, daughter of the King of Egypt, is also in love with Radamès and has guessed that Aida is her rival.

A messenger confirms that the Ethiopians, led by their warrior King Amonasro, have invaded. Before an assembly of Egypt’s military and religious leaders, the King declares war on Ethiopia’s King Amonasro and appoints Radamès as his most senior commander. Amid the general euphoria, Aida remains alone. She becomes aware of the terrible conflict she faces – on the one hand, her love for her father (Amonasro) and her Ethiopian homeland, and on the other, her love for Radamès, an arch enemy of Ethiopia.

In despair, Aida wishes for death. At a religious ceremony, Ramfis calls upon the highest deity, Ptah, for support in the war. Radamès is inaugurated as commander of the Egyptian army and is blessed on the eve of battle.

Act 2:

AFTER THE WAR: THE EGYPTIANS HAVE DEFEATED THE ETHIOPIANS.

The women longingly await the warriors’ return. Amneris, who hopes for Radamès’ love, intends to clarify matters. With feigned sympathy and a lie, she tricks Aida into confessing her love for Radamès. Amneris now reveals herself as Aida’s rival, unleashing both pride and mortal fear in the latter. Boiling with rage, Amneris intends to humiliate the slave girl at the forthcoming triumphal celebrations. The entire political and spiritual elite, women of the court and common people have gathered to celebrate the Egyptians’ victory at a grand state occasion. Radamès is exuberantly hailed as the saviour of the fatherland, and the King promises to grant him any request.

When the Ethiopian prisoners are brought in, Aida immediately recognizes her father Amonasro, who conceals his true identity. He begs for mercy for the Ethiopians, but Ramfis and the priests demand that the prisoners should die. Radamès, however, redeems his wish by asking the King to release the prisoners of war.

On Ramfis’ advice, the King agrees to a compromise: Aida and her father must remain in Egypt as hostages while the rest are released. The King’s actual reward to Radamès, however, is Amneris’ hand in marriage, and later the throne. While Amneris is triumphant, Aida descends into despair. Radamès is secretly prepared to relinquish power for Aida’s sake. Amonasro swears vengeance.

Act 3:

THE ETHIOPIANS HAVE ONCE AGAIN INVADED EGYPTIAN TERRITORY.

On the eve of her wedding, Amneris, accompanied by Ramfis, makes her way to the Temple of Isis in order to pray for Radamès’ love. In the immediate vicinity, Aida is waiting for Radamès on the banks of the Nile. She wistfully reminisces about the beauties of her homeland, which she fears she will never see again. Unexpectedly, her father appears and demands that she incite Radamès to betray the Egyptians’ war plans. When she refuses, Amonasro puts his daughter under enormous pressure, going as far as to threaten to expel her from her family. When Radamès arrives, Amonasro conceals himself. At first, Aida reminds Radamès of his patriotic duty and attempts to dissuade him from his feelings for her.

However, when he passionately declares his love for her, she suggests – as the only way out – that they escape together to her Ethiopian homeland, which she describes to him as a lovers’ paradise. Radamès agrees. Aida then asks him, as she has been instructed, about the position of the Egyptian troops, which they would evidently have to evade. This leads Radamès inadvert ently to disclose the strategy of the war. Triumphant, Amonasro emerges and reveals his identity as King of the Ethiopians.

Radamès suddenly realizes what he has done and feels dishonoured. At that moment, Amneris comes out of the temple and discovers “the traitor”. Amonasro wants to kill her immediately, but Radamès manages to prevent him from doing so. Aida and Amonasro flee, while Radamès surrenders to Ramfis.

Act 4:

Amneris ponders her hopeless love for Radamès. Despite his betrayal, she wants to save him. For this reason, she has him released from prison and brought to her. She offers to beg pardon for him if he will defend himself against the charges and devote his attentions to her, but Radamès rejects all of Amneris’ suggested compromises. He stands by his love for Aida, even if it means death. Radamès is tried by Ramfis and the priests behind closed doors.

Since Radamès remains silent in the face of all charges, he is condemned to death. With growing dismay, Amneris follows the trial from outside. She finally sees through the bloodthirsty system and curses the priests. Buried alive beneath the temple, Radamès awaits his death. He dreams of Aida, who suddenly stands before him. She has secretly made her way here in order to die with Radamès. In the throes of death, the lovers fantasize about their shared happiness in the afterlife, while Amneris, outside, prays for peace for her beloved.