Prologue: A
pirate ship, manned by Conrad, his slave, and his friend Birbanto sails toward
Turkey.
Act I - The Bazaar: Dealers and buyers fill a noisy bazaar where
slave girls are being traded. Conrad and his men arrive where Lankendem, the
owner of the bazaar, is selling girls. Conrad sees Medora, a slave girl, and
falls immediately in love. Seyd, a pasha, arrives on the scene amidst much
fanfare. Lankendem presents three young women whom the pasha rejects. Lankendem
presents Gulnare, a lovely slave girl, to the pasha and he buys her. Lankendem
then presents a young slave girl, Medora, and everyone is entranced by her
beauty. The pasha buys her. Conrad instructs the slave to steal Medora back and
the pirates raid the village and kidnap Lankendem.
Act II - The Grotto: Conrad shows Medora his hideout. Birbanto
calls all the pirates to bring in their stolen bounty to the grotto, as well as
the slave girls and Lankendem. Medora, Conrad, and his slave dance to entertain
the crew. Afterward, Medora entreats Conrad, in the name of their love, to free
all the slave girls. He agrees, but Birbanto rebels against the idea and
instead persuades the pirates to riot against Conrad. By the force of Conrad's
commanding personality and physical presence, he single-handedly instills
terror into the hearts of the pirates and they abandon their mutinous plan. Not
to be thwarted, Birbanto devises a new scheme. He sprays a rose with a sleeping
potion and forces Lankendem to help him pass the flower to Medora, who
unwittingly gives it to Conrad. He inhales its aroma and falls into a drugged
sleep. The pirates return to the grotto and attempt to capture Medora. While
struggling, she snatches a dagger and cuts Birbanto's arm. In the confusion,
Lankendem steals Medora back and escapes. Birbanto is about to kill Conrad but
is interrupted by the slave. Stunned and broken-hearted, Conrad discovers
Medora missing. Birbanto feigns ignorance and swears his loyalty to
Conrad.
Act III, Scene One - The Pasha's Palace: The playful Gulnare is
interrupted by Lankendem bringing a veiled Medora. The pasha is delighted that
Medora has been recaptured and declares that she will become his number one
wife.
Act III, Scene Two - Jardin Animée: Delighted by all his lovely
women, the pasha dreams of them in a beautiful garden.
Act III, Scene Three - The Pasha's Palace: The pasha is awakened by
the arrival of Conrad, Birbanto, and the pirates, disguised as pilgrims. He
invites them to enter the palace. Medora recognizes Conrad, disguised as one of
the pilgrims. Suddenly the pilgrims throw off their robes and reveal themselves
as pirates. Chaos erupts within the palace. Conrad and his men chase away the
pasha, his guard and wives. They dance in victory. Suddenly, Birbanto runs in
chasing Gulnare. They collide with Conrad and Medora. Medora exposes Birbanto
as a traitor, and Conrad shoots him. Conrad's slave helps Medora, Gulnare, and
Conrad escape. They flee to the ship.
Act III, Scene Four - The Storm: The pirate ship sails upon a calm
sea. Conrad, at the helm, cradles Medora in his arms. Suddenly a fierce storm
blows across as lightning illuminates the darkening sky. Gusting winds shred
the sails and a lightning bolt snaps the ship's mast in half. The ship sinks
amidst the relentless, turbulent waters.
Epilogue: As the wind subsides and the sea calms itself, the moon
rises in the sky. It sheds light upon Conrad and Medora, clinging to a rock and
offering thanks for their miraculous survival, a testimony to the strength of
their love.