Ballet in two acts
According to A.Dumas' drama
Summary
PROLOGUE
Margarita lies on the deathbed and dreams of Arman, remembering the beautiful days spent with his beloved. Before her eyes, their last meeting appears...
First action
The Baron every day arranges a reception in honor of Margarita, she is flattered, and she gladly takes part in this and has fun. Gaston, a friend of the Baron and Margarita, introduces young, prominent man Arman to Margarita. Arman shocked by the beauty of Margarita, but can’t understand what lies behind her sadness. Arman's shyness touches Margarita. Love flash flames between them.
But Margarita lives with the baron and openly shows love feelings towards him. Death approaches her and she realizes that there is little time left. She pleads with God to put off the hour of death for a little while, to enjoy her feelings for Arman and spend the last days with her lover.
Second action
Margarita and Arman spend happy time together in a country house. Their love helps Margarita forget about her illness and overcome the fear of death. From time to time they are visited by Nanin, who takes care of the welfare of Margarita. Nanina reports that Arman does not have enough money to keep Margarita and suggests that the Baron should cover part of the costs. Arman goes to Paris in the hope of improving the situation. Taking advantage of the absence of Arman, his father Monsieur Duval goes to Margarita. Margarita greets him with friendliness, but something worries her, she can’t calm her anxiety and soon realizes that it is not in vain. Monsieur Duval begs Margarita to cease his relationship with Arman. The young man has a great future, and the relationship with the courtesan negatively affects the prestige of his family. Before it's too late, he needs to start a new life. Although what she hears plunges Margarita into bitterness and sadness, she understands his father's fear, agrees and gives the floor to sever ties with Arman for his future.
Upon Arman's return, Margarita had already left his house, passing a farewell letter through Nanin. Not believing the read, the young man again goes to Paris. In the house of Flora a reception is organized, to which Margarita is also invited. Arman is also among the guests, where, playing cards in the company of men, wins a lot of money. He notices Margarita and Baron in the doorway, only arriving at the reception. Flora introduces Margarita to the guests. Arman notices the precious ornament on the hand of Margarita - a bracelet, the rage covers him. He thinks that because of the wealth Margarita decided to leave him. Arman tries to calm his pain in a glass of wine.
Having met face to face with Margarita, he throws to her face the money he has won, as a payment for the courtesan's love. She is humbled, but forgives everything for her beloved, realizing that he does not know the true reason for parting. With pain in her heart, Margarita leaves the ball.
EPILOGUE
Death is already very close. Margarita is powerless... she remembers the time spent with her beloved, and the last time she wants to see Arman. She talks about this to Nanina.
Nanina informs Arman about this and he comes to say goodbye to Margarita. In the last moments of Margarita's life he learns the whole truth and regrets that he was in ignorance. But... There is nothing to change, Margarita dies.
An irresistible, Arman remains with a precious bracelet in the form of her favorite camellia in her hands and memories of his beloved...