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LA SONNAMBULA SYNOPSIS

Act I. The village square
As the villagers hail Amina, to whom Elvino has just proposed marriage, Lisa alone is not pleased—because she also loves Elvino. Alessio, in love with Lisa, tries to embrace her, but is rebuffed. Amina emerges from the mill where she lives and thanks the villagers for their good wishes. She singles out Alessio and Lisa. Teresa, the mill owner and Amina’s adopted mother, notices that Lisa is not happy.

A notary announces that Elvino is on his way. The young man soon arrives, apologizing for his delay. He has been praying at his mother’s tomb for blessings on their marriage. Before the notary and the people, Elvino pledges all his possessions to Amina. She replies that all she has to give is her heart. He gives her a ring, and they are now betrothed.

Rodolfo arrives. He is en route to the castle, but because of the late hour accepts a room at Lisa’s inn. Rodolfo finds to his surprise that he has seen this village before. Noting the festivities, he asks who the bride is. He is taken with Amina.

As dusk approaches, Teresa asks the crowd to disperse because, at night, a white-clad phantom wanders the area. After the incredulous Rodolfo takes his leave, singling out Amina, Elvino is jealous. Amina soothes him. The lovers part for the night.

At the inn
Lisa reveals that she knows that Rodolfo is the new count. He tells her she’s pretty; she says he’s joking. Suddenly a noise scares Lisa, and she hurriedly leaves, dropping a handkerchief. Amina, dressed in white, comes in, calling for Elvino, and Rodolfo realizes that this sleep-walking young woman is the village ghost. He leaves her asleep in his room.

The villagers arrive to hail their new count. Seeing a sleeping woman in his room, they try to leave. Lisa, though, brings in Elvino and Teresa, and denounces Amina. The girl wakes up to hear Elvino calling her a traitor. Teresa, believing in Amina’s innocence, wraps Amina in Lisa’s kerchief. The others, though, believe their eyes. Elvino tells her that the sound of her voice is horrible to him.

Act II. A valley between village and castle
The villagers travel to the castle to put Amina on trial before Count Rodolfo. Teresa attempts to comfort Amina. They are joined by Elvino, who will not listen to Amina’s protestations. Even the villagers, returning from Count Rodolfo, who has proclaimed her innocence, do not sway him. He takes back his ring.

The village square
As Lisa prepares to marry Elvino, Alessio tries to sway her. How can she treat him this way? Lisa has made up her mind, though. They are interrupted by the villagers and the Count, who proclaims Amina’s innocence. Elvino is not convinced. As he leads Lisa to the church, Teresa arrives, begging for quiet. The distraught Amina has finally fallen asleep. Teresa is horrified when she realizes that Elvino and Lisa are about to wed. Lisa says that, unlike Amina, she wasn’t alone in a man’s bedroom. Teresa produces Lisa’s kerchief—proof that Lisa was, in fact, in the room, and that she has lied.

Suddenly, the Count notices Amina. She is sleepwalking— and in grave danger. He cautions all to be quiet—a sound could kill her. When she is safely on the ground, Elvino replaces his ring on her finger, awakening her to joy and happiness.

—Courtesy of Lucie Spieler/Florida Grand Opera

photos by John Grigaitis