Synopsis for Un Ballo in Maschera

ACT I

Oscar, a royal page, is discussing King Gustavus III’s invitations to a masked ball. Seeing the name of Amelia, the wife of the king’s chief minister Renato, Gustavus loses himself in thought over his attraction to her. Renato enters to discuss a conspiracy against the crown and the king decides to visit the soothsayer Ulrica, who has been accused of witchcraft.

After Ulrica impresses her audience with her skills (and a little help from King Gustavus, disguised as a fisherman), she sends her visitors away and admits Amelia. The king hides in order to hear what the two women discuss. Amelia confesses her feelings for the king; as an antidote, Ulrica instructs Amelia to find a magic herb in a desolate field near Stockholm. Gustavus is worried and resolves to follow her in secret. Before leaving, the disguised king asks Ulrica to read his palm, and she divines that he will die by the next hand he shakes. Gustavus invites anyone to disprove her prophecy, but no one dares. Renato arrives, unaware of the prophecy, and shakes Gustavus’ hand.

ACT II

The king has followed Amelia to the desolate field and declares his love for her. She returns the sentiment but begs him to think of her honor. Renato rushes in to warn the king to flee the approaching assassins—Samuel and Tom—and Gustavus asks him to escort the veiled lady back, insisting that her identity must remain secret. Renato draws his sword against the assassins, and Amelia, realizing her husband is about to be killed, reveals her identity in her attempt to save him.

ACT III

Upon their return home, Renato declares to Amelia that death is the only possible punishment for her betrayal. Renato asks to join Samuel and Tom’s conspiracy. The men are about to draw lots to determine who assassinates the king, when Amelia enters and Renato forces his wife to draw a name. He rejoices when his name is chosen as the king’s assassin.

Struggling with his feelings for Amelia and his friendship for Renato, Gustavus resolves to send Amelia away with Renato on a diplomatic appointment abroad. Oscar delivers a note to the king from an unknown lady, warning him of a murder plot. He brushes it off.

At the masked ball, Renato insists that he must speak to the king on urgent state business; Oscar reveals Gustavus’ disguise. Amelia urges the king to leave as his life is in danger. He refuses, but tells her of the foreign assignment for her husband, and he bids her an ardent farewell. Renato discovers them and shoots the king. The dying Gustavus, surrounded by his grieving court, forgives Renato, who learns too late of his wife’s innocence.