Eugene Onegin

Synopsis

SCENE ONE: AUTUMN

In the garden of the Larin country estate, Tatyana and her sister Olga are singing an old love song. Their mother Madame Larina reflects with the girls’ nurse Filipyevna on the days before her marriage. A group of neighbours arrives to celebrate the harvest with song and dance. Vladimir Lensky, Olga’s childhood friend and suitor, arrives at the estate and introduces his new neighbour Eugene Onegin to the sisters. Tatyana falls deeply for Onegin.

SCENE TWO: THAT NIGHT

Unable to sleep, Tatyana asks Filipyevna about her own youth and early marriage. Tatyana writes a letter to Onegin confessing her love for him. At dawn, she asks Filipyevna to arrange for the letter to be delivered to Onegin.

SCENE THREE: THE NEXT MORNING

Onegin tells Tatyana that he was touched by her letter, but that he would not be a good husband for her or anybody. He warns her to be more cautious in the future.

SCENE FOUR: WINTER

At a party celebrating Tatyana’s name day, neighbours gossip about her and Onegin. He dances with Olga instead, and Lensky becomes jealous. Monsieur Triquet, an elderly Frenchman, sings a song composed by Lensky for Tatyana. Lensky confronts Olga. She dismisses his anxiety and continues to flirt with Onegin. Lensky challenges Onegin to a duel.

INTERVAL

SCENE FIVE: EARLY THE NEXT MORNING

In a field near the Larin estate, Lensky waits for Onegin and reflects on the possibility of meeting an early death. Onegin arrives and both privately regret being in this circumstance. The men prepare their pistols. Lensky dies.

SCENE SIX: YEARS LATER

Onegin returns to St Petersburg after years travelling alone. He meets his relative Prince Gremin at a society ball. Gremin introduces Onegin to his wife: Tatyana. The unexpected meeting stirs up old feelings for both Onegin and Tatyana. Gremin describes to Onegin how happy Tatyana has made him. Onegin realises his terrible mistake in rejecting her and writes a letter, declaring his love for her.

SCENE SEVEN: THE NEXT MORNING

Onegin, having no answer to his letter, arrives at the Gremin palace and begs Tatyana to run away with him. Tatyana admits that she still loves him, but that she has made her decision and will not leave her husband. Onegin is devastated.