MAHARAJAH BY DAY

Followed by a solemn procession, the Great Brahman makes his entrance to the stage, and asks the fakirs to prepare the Sacred Flame for the Hindu fire ritual. Then, he asks for the presence of Nikiya -Temple’s main dancer-, at whom’s beauty drops immediately when she takes her veil out. You’ll be mine. But Nikiya’s pure heart belongs to Solor, so his love won’t be corresponded… there’s a whiff of defeat in the air. (Act I, scene I)