Aida

Aida is a slave at the Egyptian court. In fact, she is the daughter o the Nubian king, Amonasro, which, if it were known, would be her death. Aida is in love with Ramades, a newly appointed general in the battle against the Nubian forces who are invading the country. Pharaoh's daughter Amneris, Aida's owner, is also in love with Ramades. The young general wins the battle and returns in triumph with his prisoners, among whom is Aida's father. As a reward Pharaoh offers Ramades Amneris's hand in marriage ... Here begins Verdi's stupendous opera with the famous Nile scene and the gruesome trial. The story contains many interesting themes such as love between prisoner and aggressor, passion and lust for power, patriotism and treachery. It is about a stagnant society relying more on regulations than on progress, and in so doing dooms itself to downfall.