New Stage

Synopsis

Evil fate
Prologue

A funeral in an Ossetian village. They are burying a lonely woman who left behind a little daughter, the orphan Fatima. Prince Naib took pity on the girl. He promises to protect her as his own before the elders. Naib's son Dzhambulat is watching what is happening.

Act I
Scene One

A feast in Naib's house. The elders of the village and numerous guests have gathered here today. Women are watching the fun. The girls of the village are dancing in a circle. Fatima is among them. The young men, of course, can't stand it either - and now the festive dance of the young men and women attracts the attention of everyone present. Dzhambulat dances especially dashingly and beautifully. Their dance with Fatima evokes admiration from the entire village.

Ibrahim is watching the dancing. The young men, seeing him, begin to play pranks. Ibrahim wants to protect himself from the boys' ridicule. He is confused by Fatima, whose beauty has long deprived Ibrahim of peace. A tipsy old man has joined the circle of young men. Can't he dance as cheerfully as the young men?! But the old man's legs are tangled, he can't keep up with the rhythm of the dance, although this does not prevent him from winning everyone's friendly smiles. Guests from Chechnya, Gunib, Kabarda arrive. They are warmly greeted. The beautiful Fatima appears. The young people dance a majestic SIMD.

Dzhambulat and Fatima are left alone. Their eyes, shining with happiness, speak for themselves. This proud young man and this gentle girl love each other - strongly, sublimely and... fatally.

A young man from a friendly village runs in. He reports an attack by enemies. The elders decide to provide assistance. Rock appears, personifying the evil force that has been lying in wait for Man since the time of his existence.

Dzhambulat begs his father to let him go with the detachment, he wants to take part in the battle. The naib is in thought. Fatima appears and asks for Dzhambulat. The father gives him permission. Dzhambulat and Fatima are left alone. They say goodbye to each other. Fatima is worried.

The armed detachment gathers in the aul. Rock rejoices that his time has come. Before leaving, the young men perform a ritual war dance.

They enter the battle with the enemy. Dzhambulat's detachment wins. But Dzhambulat himself is wounded.

Scene Two

Fatima continues to wait for Dzhambulat for five years, although there is no news of him. And today she remembers him, coming out to a clearing not far from the aul. Here Ibrahim and the shepherds pass by with the herd. They make a halt and begin the shepherds' games. Ibrahim sees Fatima lost in thought, but, as before, does not dare to speak to her. How he would like to drive away her sadness and entertain her. Ibrahim demonstrates his prowess in games. Fatima's smile gives Ibrahim courage, he confesses his feelings to her.

Scene Three

Naib is already old. Shocked by the loss of his son, he lives only with the dream of Fatima's happiness. She refuses all those who propose to her. But the years go by. Today Naib has finally decided to convince Fatima to make a choice. Only after that can he die in peace. Fatima knows that she will not be happy with anyone except Dzhambulat. Naib continues to convince Fatima. She is ready to submit to her father's will. Her choice falls on Ibrahim. Naib is amazed. His Fatima chose not a prince, not a rich man, but a simple serf?! Naib is unable to come to terms with Fatima's choice. The old man's heart can't stand it. He dies.

Act II
Scene Four

The shepherds' night halt. A fire is burning. A simple meal is being cooked on it. While waiting for dinner, the young men entertain themselves with humorous stories. A traveler appears. They invite him to the fire and ask him to tell about himself. He tells about the times when he attended the Naib's festivities. The shepherds are distrustful of his story. The traveler turns out to have a temper, a quarrel ensues, during which he confesses that he is Dzhambulat. The old shepherd tells him the sad news of his father's death and Fatima's fate. Evil Fate takes Dzhambulat to the house of Ibrahim and Fatima. Everything here is alien to him. He sees Fatima playing with her little son. Dzhambulat struggles with his feelings and evil Fate, which does not let him leave the village. He appears on the threshold of Fatima's house. The young woman pays respect to her guest. The traveler says that he knew Dzhambulat and is ready to tell about his fate. He hands her a beautiful pendant, once given to him by Fatima herself, and is about to leave. She begs the traveler to tell her about Dzhambulat's future fate. The man reveals his face. Dzhambulat!!! He demands that Fatima be faithful to the oath of their youth, offers to run away, paints pictures of future happiness. Ibrahim appears. Dzhambulat and Ibrahim face to face in front of Fatima. Dzhambulat demands that she make a choice between them. Fatima remains faithful to Ibrahim.

The rivals leave one by one. Now only fate decides the fate of each.

Fatima remains alone by the hearth, anticipating great trouble.

Dzhambulat shoots at Ibrahim. He falls.

Ibrahim is brought to Fatima on a burka.

Fatima cries. It contains everything - the happiness of young love, carried through the years, a new love with a man who loves her, and above all this, the thundering blows of inexorable Fate. Fatima loses her mind.