THE QUEEN OF SPADES: A MTSTERIOUS TALE OF INTRIQUE OBSESSION AND GREED

Herman is fixated on the secret of the Queen of cards and will stop at nothing to acquire this knowledge. Lisa is in love with Herman, enthralled by his dark and seductive charm, while the Countess senses his presence is a bad omen. Written by Pushkin and adapted into an opera by Tchaikovsky, La Dame de Pique is a captivating and cautionary narrative, featuring elements of blackmail, deception, greed and obsession. The absolute lust and desire for wealth and status, is reflected through impressive arias and powerful vocals.

THE HISTORY

La Dame de Pique centres on the character Herman, who wants to learn about the secret of the cards. His initial interest in Lisa, fiancée of Prince Yeletsky, is overshadowed by his desire for wealth, through acquisition of the secret, known only by the Countess, who also being Lisa's governess, dies as a result of his perilous actions.

Act 1

During the Reign of Catherine the Great, soldiers Tsurin and Chekalinsky converse in the park. Tsurin speaks of his bad luck at gambling and Herman appears with Tomsky, who asks if Herman is alright. Herman tells of his love of a mystery woman. Prince Yeletsky arrives, sharing news of engagement to Lisa, who also arrives with the Countess. Lisa is the one Herman desires. Soldiers speak of the Countess's secret of the cards, which Herman vows to discover.

Act 2

Lisa requests Herman visits her the next day. She gives him a key to her Grandmother's house. Herman, eager to uncover the secret of the cards, insists on visiting the same night. Entering the Countess's room, he hides, while she prepares for bed. While asleep, he stands over her. She awakens and he threatens her with a pistol, demanding she reveal the secret. The shock kills her. Lisa discovers the truth behind Herman's interest and orders him to leave.

Act 3

Herman prepares to meet Lisa. The Countess's appears to him, saying she'll share the secret, so that he can marry Lisa. The cards are three, seven and ace. Lisa awaits Herman's arrival. When sensing he no longer loves her, she ends her life in the icy canal. Herman, joining Yeletsky and the other men to gamble, wins with the three and seven cards, Yeletsky pulls the queen of spades, against Herman's ace. Herman defeated, kills himself.

MAIN ROLES

Herman - Tenor
Lisa - Soprano
Countess - Mezzo-Soprano
Tsurin- Bass
Prince Yeletsky- Baritone
Chekalinsky - Tenor