Pa e2

ACT1
PROLOG.U E - THE MUSEUM
(The Egyptian wing ofa maJ01 "luseum. A contemporaty crowd. chic
and bcautifally d..ressed is gath 'd around various artifacts, all under glas!
inc/Juling amamuqtlin in a11cimt Royal Egyptian dress. The crowd
moves appreciatively around the exhibits. In the center ofthe room, also
behind glass1 is a mysterious object-Mi ancient burial chamber, a tomb.
A MAN, and a WOMAN also dmsed in the fmhiom ofroday approach
the tomb from different sitks. They are both drawn to it. They circle it,
intrigued as ifthey 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 ofmodern 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 THOUSANDPLAYERS
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
WOMANfreeze.)
THIS rs nm STORY
OF A LOVE THATFWUIUSHED
IN A TIME OF HATE

OF LOVERS NO TYRANNY COULD SEPARATE

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 ofthe ship.)

FORTUNEF<Al'ORSTHEBRAVE

sowmRS
OHOH
FORTUNE f<AVORS THE BRAVE
OHOH
FORTUNE FAVORS THE BRAVE
(RADAMES, an Egyptian Anny Captain, mtm.}

RADAMES
WE HAVE SWEPT TO GLORY, EGYPTS MASTERY EXPANDS
FROM THE NILE'SNORTHERN 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 ofembrace-'-

ofthe 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.AVE

RADAMES
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 HAVE 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

RADAMES
FORTUNE FAVORS THE BRAVE

(Sudtknly, AIDA and NUBIAN WOMEN are showd onstagc by

SOLDIERS. RADAMESifdrefatAIDA. Theireyeswck)
RADAMES

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 ofhis SOLDIERS.)

Have you finished the map?

SOLD!ER#2
Yes, Captain.

RADAMES
(Looking_ nt the map with his men.)
Good work.

{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 swordfrom a drunken soldier and points it nt

another.)
SOWIER#l

Mysword! Mysword!

(AIDA swordfights with the SOWIERS, taking one captiw.)

AIDA
Release them!

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

SOWIERS 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.
(RADAMES 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.

RADAMES
You donit want me to remove your shackles?
AIDA
Oh. Yes.

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

RADAMES
No. Admiringyi>u.

(He rnnuva l?is coat, dropping it to thefoor 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.

(RADAMES removes his IWbrd and sits on a stot>I in front ofher.)

It has been a long.rime since I've fu)t dean.
.
,
(AIDA beghu to scrub RADAMES' back farioml)' witb a sponge a,nd
waterfrom a basin. He grlmam.)

Pa e7
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.

RADAMES
Because he knows NubianmCn can't protect their women?

(She straightens, farious.)

You're not finished.

AIDA

Yes, I run.
On your knees.

(Standing.).
You enjoy livipg dangerously, don't you?

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

(AIDA throws the sponge.)

RADAMES

You

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 andforces them on

AIDA.)
.
AIDA

What- No! Please, leave diem off.

RADAMES
You're a slave now! And ifyou want to survive you better rcinember it.
(RADAMES exitr. As AIDA continues to sint,; the scene.dissolves around

her to Docks on the banks ofthe 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 .

Page9
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 ofq1wtionable reput<ttion appears.)

EGYPTIAN MAN

Mereb! Mereb!
(MEREB enters with several casks ofwine.)
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.

RADAMES
Have you kept my house in ordet?

Mli.REB

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

RADAMES

Again?

(ZOSER enters accompanied by MINISTERS.)

ZOSER

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

.

MBREB

Ycs, oh Chief Minister Zoser beloved by the Gods, the people and hlliuclf.

Pa eJO

ZOSER
Careful, boy or I'll have you-

RADAMES
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?

RADAMES
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.)

RADAMES
Stop!
Not.this one.

(He takes AIDA fem the SOLDJERS.)

(To ZOSER.)

Pa '11
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.
(The SOLDIERS exit with the NUBIAN WOMEN. RADAMES turns
AIDA to face him.)

AIDA
Thank you.

RAD AMES
Give me your hands, Aida.

MEREB
(G11Sfi.)
Youq1ame is Aida?

RADAMES
Mereb.
..
(To AIDA.)
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

hough you and the Princess should know that as soon as my Crew IS
rested, I a.m setting '..;;. again.

Jn good time, Fatl,

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! .

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

ZOSER

I'm afraid.so.
RADAMES
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 EARTI-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'

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

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

(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

ASSASSINMINISTER 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 aij11Un 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 tobe in a shade doses to that ofyour eyes. There a dyctng

Pa <16

OUR LIVES ARE NOT OUR OWN

MEREB
I NEVER HAVE 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 APRINCESS
JN ANYTIME OR PLACE
AIDA
YOU DON'T KNOW ME

MEREB
YES I KNOW YOU
AIDA
YOUDON'TKNOWME

. MEREB
HOWIKNOWYOU
HOWIKNOWYOU
Prince~-

AIDA

Mcrcb, you must treat. me like my od1er slaV<;.. Ifthe 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
. Eyptian 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 SHAVE
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 isflushed and pantingfrom 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 ofyou 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

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.
(Bowing bJw.)

AMNERIS
Another handmaiden? I don't need anothct handmaiden.
(Sighs i~ disgust.} .

Does this gift have a name?

Page20

AMNERIS .
FROM YOUR CRADLE VIA
TROUSSEAU
TO YOUR DEATHBED YOU'RE ON
VIEW, SO
NEVER COMPROMISE, ACCEPT NO
SUBSTITUTE
I WOULD RATHER WEAR A BARREL
THANCONSERVATIVEAPPAREL
FOR DRESS HAS ALWAYS BEEN
MY STRONGEST SUIT

WOMEN
AH
AH
AH
AH
AH
AH
AH
AH
OVERWEAR
UNDERWEAR
ANYTIME
ANYWHERE

STAYING IN OR HITTING
TOWNWA:RDS
FROM THE TOP AND WORKING
DOWNWARDS
I ENSURE THAT EVERY STITCH
IS STITCHED IN TIME

OOH OOH OOH AH

OOH OOH OOH AH
OOH OOH OOH AH
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

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~

Page21

AMNE!US (CONT.)

I AM WHAT I WEAR
I SAID ANYTIME

ANYWHERE

SO BRING MEALL MY FINEST

MOST AUDACIOUS MY DNINEST

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

MOST REVEALING
MOST EXPENS!VEAND TO BOOT

MOST REVEALING MOST EXPENSIVE

MOST ARRESTING

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

DRESS HAS ALWAYS BEEN

MY STRONGEST SUIT

MOST HEART-STOPPING
HEART-STOPPING
OVERWEAR
UNDERWEAR
ANYTIME
ANYWHERE

DRESS HAS ALWAYS BEEN

I AM WHAT I WEAR
MY STRONGEST SOIT

JAM WHAT I WEAR

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

'

JAM WHAT I WEAR

DRESS.HAS ALWAYS BEEN

MY STRONGEST SUIT

(Dance Brettk. The scene changes toAMNERIS' CLOSET. AMNERIS

and WOMENprepare 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

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

MY STRONGEST SUIT
IAMWHATIWEAR
YOUKNOWTHAT
!AM WHAT I WEAR
DRESS HAS ALWAYS BEEN
MYSTRONGEST
MYSTRONGEST .
MY STRONGEST
MY STRONGEST
MY STRONGEST SUIT
MY STRONGEST SUIT

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.)
RADAMES
Mereb, was the Princess plcascx! with my gift?

Pa e25
(Banquetguem laugh. PHARAOH is struck with a sudden pain and
pauses to compose himself.}
I wan( to see her and our nation happily settled before I leave this world. TI1ercfore 1 in
seven days, Ila.dames, sori ofZoscr, will wed the Princess Amneris. The son of Isis has

spoken.

and

(There is much applause

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 offaccompanied 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

RADAMES
It's not too late.

ZOSER
I thought you loved Amncris?

RAD AMES
Of course I do. We grcwup 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)

RADAMES
(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

!'age 23
MEREB
Yes. Aida managed to make herself indispensable in record time.

RADAMES
(Smiks.)
I'm not surprised.
(Stops walking andfaces MEREB.)
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 andprepare 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?
..

AMNERIS

It is now. So ... your expedition went well?

. . .

RADAMES

.,.. \'es. We got well past Aswan, into rcrritoiywhcrc no %fptian hasevct set fuot.

.
AMNERIS
.
Really? That sounds vciy... scenic. Maybe next time I'll g0 with you.
RADAMES
Ifyou 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 offto the rich andpowctfal men ofEgypt. AIDA is
pouring wine. A NUBIAN SERVANTpasses her.)
NUBIAN SERVANT

Princess, the word ofyour 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?
.AliWElUS

Whatever you tQjnk is best, Fathet.

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 ofmy 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.

..
.

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.)
No, stay.

AIDA

Yes, Captain?

RADAMES
Where are you from?

AIDA

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

RADAMES
(Together.)
near the Second Cataract. The river's an entlrely diffi:rent cofor there.

, AlDA.
No. _!t's an entlrdy dlfferent color here.
. RA.DAMES
F.ir enough.

.
AIDA'
My fathervand'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.

Of course.

res Nubia.

AIDA
I would like to see that part of my country.

ENCHANTMENTPASSJNG THROUGH
RADAMES
TO SAIL AWAY TO HALF DISCOVERED PLACES
TO SEE THE SECRETS SO FEW EYES HAVE SEEN
TO SEE MOMENTS OF ENCHANTMENT ON OUR FACES
THE MOMENTS WHEN WE SMILE AND THOSE BE1WEEN
AIDA
Are you talking about Nubia now?

RADAMES
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 PREYA1LING .
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?

RADAMES
Would you run us aground?
AlDA
....
Oh yes. Wherever there arc no people. l'd jump out. of the boat, kick offmy 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
RADAMES
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

RADAMES

AWOMAN 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.
RADAMES
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 and, brosbi11ghP hair,
forcibly,. 41DA enurs.)
.
AIDA
Herc. Let me.
.
(She brusha 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 offilicsand 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,

Pa e31

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

AIDA/AMNERIS
A STRONGER SUIT
(RADAMES mt=.}

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

RADAMES
No, stay. Pour the Princess a cup ofwine.

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.

RADAMES
Anincris, we've been erigagtd nine rears.

Pagr32

AM NERIS
Good point.
(AMNERIS exits. RADAMES turns to AIDA. She is intimidated

w exit. R:/JDAMES blocks her path, standing too close.)

RADAMES
.
You think you can speak to me like that, scold me like a shrew, then walk away?
that I can have you carried off to tl1e copper 1nines.

Yov

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

RADAMES
It doesn't matter ...

(Pause.)

. : because I know now that you are right.

(AIDA gives him a look.)
What?
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.

AIDA

You should go :to her.

RADAMES
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 AMNERIS
Radames!

(RADAMES andAIDA 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?
RADAMES

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 amap 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.)

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

MEREB

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 oflier 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 ofcloth.)
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

NUBIANS GROUP 2

IDAJAIDA
LLWEASKOFYOU

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 awayfem 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
AHAHAHAHAHAH

IT'S ENOUGH!

(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 offas 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 oflaundry on their heads. A

ritualUtk rhythm takes hold as the linens are soaked, wrung and beaten to
dry. AIDA enters andjoins in the work. RADAMES enters with a
SOLDIER. Astheytalk,AIDAwatcheshimcovrrtly. RADAMES
dimtistes the SOWIER.)

RAD.AMES
(To AIDA.)
Y9u 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 ifyour chalice needed filling.
RADAMES
I have no chalice no".\'... and yet you're looking.
(/JeAt.)

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

f'Me

(AIDA moves away. The WASHJ:.11 WOMEN gradually exit during the
scene st"nglj and in pairs.}
RAD AMES
I do not excuse you. Stop there.
(AIDA stops}
AIDA
You wanted something from me?

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.

RADAMES
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?

RADAMES
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.
j ... I_ don't know;

AIDA

RADAMES
Then let's find out.
(RADAMES kisses her. MEREB-runs onstage.)

-MEREB

. Afda, I just saw(MEREB stops short upon seeing RADAMES andAIDA. He is shocked.
.
Theypull apart, f,'li/ty.)
. Afda, Amneris requests youi'ptesence.
.
'
.
(turns.to RADAMES as ifexplaining.)

37

Prt e 38
The-Princess. Your betrothed.

(AIDA exits. MEREB and RADAMES remain onstage as the scene

i'lltlif/ dissolv<> to the
durint the followi115 sow}

Martt""

RADAMES
I ONCE KNEW ALL THE ANSWERS
I STOOD ON CERTAIN GROUND

A PICTURE OF TRUE HAPPINESS

CONFIDENCE SO EFFORTLESS
NO BRIGHTER COULD BE FOUND
MEREB
OH,NO
RADAMES
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
I CAN'T BELIEVE
HE'S CHANGING

SCENE10:MARKETPLACE
(MERCHANTS enur hawking their wares.)
RADAMES
AND WHO'D HAVE THOUGHT THAT
CONFIDENCE COULD DIE?
NOT ME NOT ME
THAT..ALLrToOKFORGRANTED
WAS ALIE
NOT ME NOT ME
AND WHO'D HAVE GUESSED I'D
THROW MY WORLD AWAY
TO BE WITH SOMEONE I'M AFRAID
WILL SAY
NOT ME NOT ME

MEREB
OH, NO
NOT ME NOT ME
NOT ME NOT ME

THIS CAN NEVER

BE

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

Pa e39

(AMNERIS and AIDA enter and walk between bhnkets and stands
/,,oking at the displayed merchandise. AIDA picks up a piece offabric.)
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
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 withfad~ . She
hata new ckJth thrDWll wer her shoukkr. It bi&ws out behind her.}
NEHEBKA
Aida.

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 offood, atid ajug of

Pa e40

wine. MEREB appears with another baskt handing outfruit. During the
song, RADAMES 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

MEREB
NOT ME NOT ME
NOTMENOTME

RAD AMES, AIDA & AMNERIS

WHO'D HAVE-GUESSED
(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 prparing 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.

Pa c41

AMNEIUS
I would never make you. But I ain asking you ... as my friend.
(AMNERIS exits just as RADAMESspots AIDA.)

TI1ankyou.

AIDA
RAD AMES

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

AIDA
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!

RADAMES
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.
.
. .

RADAMES
Don't you?

ELABORATE UVES

.
RADAMES

WEALLLEAD SUCHELABORATELIVES.
WILD AMBITIONS IN OUR SIGHTS ..
HOWAN.f>FFAIROFTIIB!jFARTSURVIVES
DAYSAPA!lTAND HVJUED NIGHTS
SEEMS QUITE UNBEUEVABLE TO ME
I DON'TWANT'fO UYE LIKE THAT
SEEMS QUITEUNBELIEVABLE 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 herftdings 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
~ou could have at lea.st kept a bla:nket or

AIDA
two.

Pa c43

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
My armies havereturned. 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. Ifanyone 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 herfingm fem her lips. They're both laughing. Then a
SOLDIER runs on.)

SOWIER
Captain!

(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?

RADAMES

SOWIER

RADAMES

SOLDIER

Yes, Captain.
_

RADAMES

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.

SOLDIER
Yes, Captain.

(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
has himselffor it.- J0DAMES exits. A mJJd ofNUBTANS 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.)

NUBIAN

AIDA
IN TIIB SWAY OF SOMBER MUSIC

I SHAl:L NEVER. NEVER

UNDERSTAND
LET ME SLIP INTO THE SWEETER
CHORUS OF THAT OTHER LAND ...

MMMMMM
MMMMM

MMMMMM
MMMMMM

TIIB GODS LOVE NUBIA

THE BFAUT!Fl}L, THE GOLDEN
THE RADIAl.jt, THE.FERTILE
THE GENTLllAND THE BLESSED .

HMMI-!MM
HMMHMMHMM

THE PAIN OF NUBIA

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

HMM HMM
HMM HMM
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
A PASSING ABERRATION.
THEY WASH INTO THE RIVER AND

HMM

NUBIANS

HMM
HMM

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
OOH
THE GODS LOVE NUBIA
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

Pa e47

ALL
TAKE ME IN MY DREAMS RECURRING
ONE MORE LONGING BACKWARD GLANCE
(Blackout.)

End of Act 1

ACT2
SCENE1:STARSCAPE
0fDA. RADAMES and AMNERIS 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

RADAMES

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
RADAMllS &AMNERIS.
OH, OH, OH, OH

OH, OH, OH, OH

OH, OH, OH, OH, OH
.
AIDA
!AM CERTAlNTHATI LOVE HIM
BUT A LOVE CllN BE MISPLACED
HAVE 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

RADAMES
I'M IN EVERY
KIND OF TROUBLE
Ct\N'TYOU TELL?
JUsTLOOKATME

HALF ECSTATIC,
HALF DEJECIBD

NEVER TAKES .
ROMANTIC LEADS

ALLIN ALL
I'M.ALLATSFA

THERE ARE TIMES

WHEN I IMAGINE
I'M NOT ALWAYS
ON HIS MIND
HE'S NOTTHINKJNG
WHAT l'M"n!INK!NG

EASY'ffiRMS I
THOUGHT I WANTED
FILLMENOWWITH
CHILLING DREAD
YOU COULD NEVER
KNOW THE CHAOS

ALWAYS HALF A
STEP BEHIND
ALWAYSHALFA
STEP BEHIND

OFA IJFE TURNED

ON ITS. HEAD
OFA UFE TURNED
. ONITSHEAD
AIDA

OH, OH, OH, OH

AlD;.:\ & RADAMFS

OH, OH, OH, OH

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 1TAKEAMP
TOOF.AR?

P e49

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 ofgold.)

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?

. .
(They nnbrace.)
.
.
I knew you woul.d survive- that'J fiafoed my daughter well. Adeast, I wouldnot 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 chiefjailer 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 oflight 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 solitarypW. 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 HAVE 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 HAVE 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 DRAwt'

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

Pa e53

IT'S EASY AS LIFE

IT'S EASY AS LIFE
(Black out.)
SCENE 3: THE WAR ROOM OF THE PALACE
(ZOSER is showing AMNERIS a giant map ofthe 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.)

AMNERIS

You summoned me, father?

(AMNER/S steps into vkw.)

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

RAD AMES

Really?
.

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 scrollfrom his.father} mble.)
Iiere, you can read this while you wait.

AMNERIS
"TI1e Campaign at Kadesh.

RADAMES

It will give us something to talk about.

AMNERIS
I didn't realize we were at a loss for topics.
(Sighs.)
But then there's a lot I haven't realized.

(AMNERIS exitsJ

RADAMES
'Ibat was clever ofyou.
ZOSER
I can't have you neglecting the girl. Not after all the trou.ble I've gone to.

RADAMES
You arranged a marriage;
ZOSER
There ha.Ye been othet arrangements as wcU, son. Things I've done on your behaJ

"

RADAMES

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 hourswith~~t
slave girL

Oh, yout spies ate goOd.

RADAMES

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.

RADAMES
She never had any choice.

ZOSER
(Exp/,HUS.)
Don't you realize that whore could cost you the throne?

RADAMES
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 goodfight.)

MINISTERS
UKE FAIBER, UKE SON
UKE FAWER, UKE SON

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

MINISTERS
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

RADAMES
I WOULDN'T WISH THOSE WORDS
ON ANYONE
LIKEFATHERLIKESON

MINISTERS
. SON

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

RADAMES
She has a name!

v"

ZOSER

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

I APPRECIATE TOO WELL

RADAES

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.) -

.
Pa e57
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 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

RADAMES

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

..

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 HAVE TO DO
.
I LOVE YOU

(With tha~ RADAMES is gone. A crowd ofNUB/ANS, MERES and

NEHEBKA have enured during the song and encircle AIDA. She hid;,,
the letter in the. bosom ofher 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 offwhile otherspush 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 herfrom 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 ofanguish. 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 tlmt amwer and she can} ~ok at him.) .
You're going to meet him, aren't youl

Pa ,59
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 ofthe newly converted.}
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 lightsfotk 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
embracepassionauly.)
Aida! I thought you were

RADAMES

Pan60

AIDA
Thcyaune for me. But they took another. I b!:une myself.
RADAMES
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= thisfoib herflflher} <SCdf'< plans.)
No! Youcan't. Youcan't<:alloffthewcdding!
(AIDA pull; out ofRADAMES'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.

RADAMES
I can find a way ror us tobe .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-1THAT 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?

Page6~J_ _

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 HAVE NO SAY!
IN WHICH WE'RE GIVEN PARADISE
BlJT ONLY FORA DAY
AIDA
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?

RADAMES
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 measure of happiness knowing you are free.

(RADAMES kisses AIDA one /aJt time and leaves. AIDA looks t<J the
sky.. knowing her gods have provtlkd the way. The irony ofit 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
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

Pa e63

stands liftless, stiU reelingfrom the shock ofwhat 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 ITHAUNTS 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

(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. RADAMES 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
RADAMES
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 ofthe wedding e<remony dissolves into the next sequence at
the Docks.)

SCENE 8: THE DOCKS

(A muill boatj/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, weJ.UUSt !iimy. They've sounded the alarm,
.
~
(AMONASRO climbs into th boat assisted by MEREB as RADAMES

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.
(As RADAMES struggles to find the answer. ZOSER and a GUARD

appear on 'the rise.)

ZOSER
(To the GUARD.)

She's.alive?

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

nwrd.)

MER.EB

Stop there!

(MEREB and GUARDfight! MEREB ctsdown GUARD.)

Aida, come!

AMONASRO

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

NotwithoutMereb.

AIDA

ZOSER
Gci out ofmy way, boy.
. . .

.(ZOSERpulls h1i nwrd and euts MEREB down '!fter a brieffight.)

Page66

AIDA
Mereb!

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

AMONASRO

Aida!
(The boatwithAMONASRO is swept away... )
ZOSER

Radames! What have you donel

RADAMES
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-

RADAMES
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

(AMNERIS enters-and approathes RADAMES and AIDA as the

GUARDS puU them apart. shackling their hand, andfiet. AIDA is
dragged to one side, leaving RADAMES andAMNERJS together.)
RADAMES
\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, ifyou 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!}' at of my lifu has been wrong, except for this.

AMNERIS
Did you ever love me ot all?

RADAMES
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

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

AMNERIS

Page68

(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,youcan. Youlovehlm! Don'tyoulovehim!
PHARAOH
Amncris let us begin.
(AMNER!S tnka herplace nextto herfatlurJ
Bring forth the prisoners.

(AIDA am! RADAMES are pushedforward. To AMNERISJ

Zoscr has been apprehended, and we have uncovctcd his plot. Radamcs, I chose you.
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

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.,

Page 6'"'9_ _
AMNERIS
I was wronged. It should be my decision.

PHARAOH
You don't know your own mind...

(.A_ pronouncenzent.)
For their crimes, the traitors-

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

herfonuard. 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< ofa ceU, AIDA and RADAMES 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

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

!t'sso dal'.\>.

AIDA

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

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 LEAVE THE WORLD'S MISFORTUNES f<AR BEHIND US
.AND I WILL PUT MY FAITH AND TRUST IN YOU
(/ls the lightsfade out on AIDA and RADAMES, It singk shaft oflight

appean follDwed by It starbunt which fills the stttge with lights.}

EPILOGUE: THE MUSEUM

(AMNERIS entm, drened min the Prokgue: Pharaoh efEgypt.

AM.NERIS sin .)

&lW:*''n1wmE4wn1rn11P1u1a
-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 .
.
::>li.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.
oThe MAN and WOMAN mDll< fOW(ln{ each other. Fatk to.black.)

,f At:t2