Synopsis for Un Ballo in Maschera

ACT I

Oscar, a royal page, is discussing the king’s invitations to a masked ball. Seeing the name of Amelia, wife of the king’s chief minister Anckarström, King Gustavus loses himself in thought over his attraction to her. Anckarström enters to discuss a conspiracy against the the crown—which includes Sam and Tom—and Gustavus decides to visit the soothsayer Madame Arvidson (known as 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 to grant an audience with Amelia. She instructs Amelia to find a magic herb, and Gustavus resolves to follow her. 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, and he clasps the hand of Anckarström, who has just arrived.

ACT II

Gustavus has followed Amelia and declares his love for her, which she returns but begs him to think of her honor. Anckarström rushes in to warn the king to flee the approaching assassins—Ribbing and Horn—and Gustavus asks him to escort the veiled lady back without attempting to discover who she is. Anckarström draws his sword against the assassins, and Amelia reveals her identity in her attempt to defend her husband.

ACT III

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

Struggling with the decision to sacrifice his love for Amelia, Gustavus resolves to send her away with Anckarström on a diplomatic appointment abroad. Oscar delivers a note to the king from an unknown lady, warning him of a murder plot. He decides to ignore it.

At the masked ball, Anckarström insists that he must speak to the king on urgent state business; Oscar reveals Gustavus’s disguise. Amelia urges him 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. Anckarström discovers them and shoots the king. The dying Gustavus, surrounded by his grieving court, forgives Anckarström, who learns too late of his wife’s innocence.