Synopsis
by Johan Klint Sandberg, driector's assistant
Part I
At the beginning of the 20th century, a young girl, Sidi, is seriously ill.
Dancing with Death, she escapes into the universe of a fairy tale. From here the world of Periferihme unfolds.
In this world –a paradisiacal realm where happiness prevails - a shepherd foresees the approach of a ferocious tiger, and when the tiger is slain by prince Lulu, the inhabitants of Periferihme's world see in the prince the possible redeemer of a tragedy that has befallen their land.
As a shepherdess, Vela, tells the prince, princess Sidi, daughter of their queen Periferihme, has been kidnapped by an evil sorcerer, Dilfeng. Periferihme appears and explains to Lulu that Sidi received at birth a golden rosebud which will blossom the day that Sidi falls in love for the first time, granting its possessor all the powers of nature.
Dilfeng has stolen this rosebud and is now waiting for it to blossom so that he may become almighty. Periferihme gives Lulu a magic flute which has the ability to render Lulu's enemies harmless and to break spells. She asks Lulu to rescue her daughter, and Lulu sacrfices his sword for the flute and goes off to save the princess.
Meanwhile, Dilfeng and his son Barca hold the unhappy Sidi captive. Dlifeng wants to marry Sidi and take over the powers of the rosebud as soon as possible, but Sidi resists the sorcerer's gifts and loving words, as well as his threats. Frustrated, Dilfeng summons three witches who torment Sidi until she faints from fright and exhaustion.
Lulu arrives disguised as an old flute player, and Dilfeng asks him to play for Sidi in order to make her acquiescent.
Sidi is enthralled by the flute, and when Lulu discloses to her his plans of returning her to her mother, she hides Lulu from Dilfeng. Barca tries to warn Dilfeng about the flute player's intentions, and when the music of the flute makes everyone dance, Dilfeng captures Lulu, stealing the magic flute.
Part II
While Dilfeng is away, Lulu shows Sidi his true form, and they declare their love for one another. Dilfeng arrives and displays his abilities to Lulu by summoning a mob of people who praise him. Sidi breaks into tears when Dilfeng affirms that he is getting ready for their wedding, and she loses herself in dreams of her happy childhood with
her friend Vela in the realm of Periferihme. Meanwhile, Barca is plotting the downfall of Lulu, but the three witches, oblivious to Barca's plans, give Lulu back the flute. Lulu is now able to free himself from captivity by playing his flute, spellbinding Barca and
Dilfeng's subjects so that they lose every memory of Lulu.
Unable to escape as long as Dilfeng has the rosebud in his possession, Sidi
summons Death and considers her options. Guests arrive for the wedding party, and Barca sings a drinking song.
Dilfeng casts a splle that makes everyone dance wildly. Just as Sidi is about to be taken to the bridal chamber, Lulu plays his magic flute, lulling everyone to sleep. He then
wakes up Sidi, and together theγ reclaim the rosebud. Dilfeng awakes, but as he attempts to kill Lulu and Sidi, he accidentally strikes Barca instead.
The rosebud blossoms. |