The Pearl Fishers Synopsis
Ceylon, Ancient Times
ACT I
On the beach in Ceylon the pearl fishers gather. Some prepare their nets for work; while others dance and drink. The fishers must choose a leader and they immediately choose Zurga. They joyously await the arrival of the priestess whose prayers will protect against the seasons storms. A former fisherman, Nadir, arrives and greets his old friend Zurga. Left alone they recall the night at the gates of Candy when they caught sight of a woman whose perfect beauty captured both their hearts. Their love for her could have driven them apart, but they swore to renounce her and to remain friends. A boat arrives carrying a veiled woman: it is Leïla, the priestess, charged to pray over the fishermen and ward off evil spirits. She is led ashore by Nourabad, the high priest, and her song is heard. As she greets the men, Nadir recognizes Leïla as the woman from their past and in private he makes his undying love known to her.
ACT II
Night falls. Nourabad reminds Leïla to keep watch over the men. Leïla recalls an incident from her childhood when she risked her life to protect a fugitive, who then gave her a necklace as a token of his gratitude. Nourabad leaves her to be alone in the night. She senses the presence of Nadir approaching and her cavatina is answered by his song. Nadir declares his love and promises to return the next night. The howling and rumbling of a storm are heard; Nourabad returns with his guards, who see the intruder and seize Nadir and Leïla. The guilty pair are condemned to death by the angry crowd. Zurga intervenes and in compassion spares them. At that moment Nourabad unveils Leïla, and Zurga finally recognizes her. He cannot contain his fury and retracts the pardon he has just granted.
ACT III
Now that his anger has subsided, Zurga tenderly agonizes over having condemned his friend. Leïla comes to him, begging that he spare Nadir saying that she alone should die. Seeing her love for Nadir, Zurga's jealousy is rekindled and he rejects her appeal. As Leïla is led away, she turns to a young fisherman and hands him a necklace and asks him to pass it on to her mother. Zurga recognizes the necklace, for he was the fugitive whom Leïla saved. In the night a fire engulfs the pearl fishers' camp. Nourabad and the guards rush to save the camp, abandoning their prisoners. Zurga enters and tells Nadir and Leïla that it was he who started the fire. He breaks their bonds and embraces the lovers, urgings them to escape. He alone remains as the men flee the flaming camp.
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