Main Stage

Synopsis

PROLOGUE

In an Ossetian village, a solitary woman is laid to rest. Prince Naib pledges to the village elders that he will cherish her young daughter, the orphaned Fatima, as his own. Naib's son, Djambulat, observes these events with keen interest.

ACT I

Scene One
A feast is underway at Naib's home. Elders of the village and numerous guests gather in celebration. Djambulat and Fatima perform a dance that captivates all those present. Young men playfully tease Ibragim, who watches the dance with rapt attention, for Fatima's beauty has long stirred his heart. A slightly inebriated elder, struggling to keep pace with the rhythm of the youths' dance, draws smiles from the assembled company. Guests arrive from Chechnya, Gunib, and Kabarda, receiving a warm welcome from the beautiful Fatima. The young people then perform the simd, a majestic Ossetian dance.
Left alone, Djambulat and Fatima express their love for one another. News arrives from a neighbouring village of an enemy attack. The elders resolve to provide aid, as dictated by inexorable fate. Djambulat implores his father to allow him to join the warriors, eager to participate in the battle. Naib hesitates. Fatima intercedes on Djambulat's behalf, and her plea persuades Naib to grant his son permission. Djambulat and Fatima bid each other a tender farewell.
The armed contingent assembles in the village, performing a ritual dance before their departure. Fate rejoices. The young men engage in fierce combat with the enemy. Victory is theirs, but Djambulat is gravely wounded.

Scene Two
Five years have passed, and Fatima awaits Djambulat's return, but no news of him has reached the village. She wanders to a meadow near the village, lost in memories of her beloved. Ibragim passes by with his flock. He longs to lift Fatima's spirits with playful shepherds' games. Ibragim displays his prowess, and Fatima's smile emboldens him to finally confess his love for her.

Scene Three
Old Naib, devastated by the loss of his son, clings to dreams of Fatima's future happiness. However, she refuses all suitors, unable to envision a life with anyone but Djambulat. Naib urges Fatima to choose a husband, pleading that only then can he die in peace. Fatima ultimately selects Ibragim. Naib is astonished: not a prince, not a wealthy man, but a commoner! The old man's heart cannot bear the weight of this decision, and he dies.

ACT II

Scene Four
Shepherds gather around a campfire for a night's respite. While awaiting their supper, the young men entertain each other with lighthearted tales. A traveller appears and is invited to join them. He speaks of a time long ago when he attended feasts at Naib's home. The shepherds greet his story with scepticism, prompting the traveller to reveal his true identity: he is Djambulat. An elderly shepherd informs him of his father's death and Fatima's fate.
Fate guides Djambulat to the home of Ibragim and Fatima. Wrestling with his emotions and the cruel hand of destiny, he observes Fatima playing with her young son. Noticing the traveller, Fatima welcomes him with customary hospitality. He tells her that he knew Djambulat and presents her with a pendant, a gift she had once given to Djambulat himself. Fatima implores the traveller to tell her of Djambulat's fate. He reveals his face. Reminding Fatima of their youthful vow, he urges her to flee with him, painting a picture of future happiness together.
Ibragim appears. Djambulat demands that Fatima choose between them. Fatima remains steadfast in her loyalty to Ibragim.
The rivals depart. Now, fate will determine their destiny. Djambulat shoots Ibragim, who is brought back to Fatima, lifeless, upon a felt cloak.
Fatima's lament encompasses all: the joy of young love carried through the years, a new love found, and the devastating blows of relentless fate. Overwhelmed by grief, Fatima loses her mind.