Delibes - Lakmé

(toggle to full screen view)

"Viens, Mallika, les liens en fleurs," (The Flower Duet) from Léo Delibes' opera

Lakmé

Lakmé (French for the Indian name Lakshmi or Laxmi - Hindu goddess of wealth and beauty) is the daughter of Nikalantha, a fanatical Brahmin priest. While he nurses his hatred of the British (Raj) invader, his daughter strolls in her garden, singing duets with her slave Mallika. An English officer, one Gerald, breaks through the bamboo fence that surrounds Nikalantha’s retreat, in a ruined temple in the depths of an Indian forest. He courts Lakmé who immediately returns his love. Nikalantha seeing the broken fence at once suspects an English invader.

In act two the old man disguised as a beggar is armed with a dagger. Lakmé is disguised as a street singer. Together they search for the profaner of the sacred spot at a market. It is here that she sings the famous Bell Song. Gerald recognizes Lakmé as Nikalantha recognizes the disturber of his peace. A dagger thrust lays Gerard low. Lakmé and her slave carry him to a hut hidden in the forest. During his convalescence the time passes pleasantly. The lovers sing duets and exchange vows of undying love. But Frederick, a brother officer and a slave to duty, informs Gerard that he must march with his regiment. Lakmé makes the best of the situation by eating a poisonous flower which brings about her death.