Paris, ca. 1730
First Act
Behind the curtains of Comédie-Française
Preparation for a performance are underway. Everyone is busy following director Michonnet’s instructions. Prince de Bouillon (patron of the famous actress Duclos) and his companion: abbot De Chazeuil are present. It is brought to the attention of the Prince that his lover has written a letter to somebody. He wishes to know to whom the letter is addressed to and to receive it if possible. Adriana enters, reciting Roxana’s lines from “Bayezid” by Rasin “Io son l’umile ancella“. This is the role she will be performing tonight. Having learned that Duclos has written this letter, the Prince decides to have it intercepted. He finds himself alone with Adriana. Director Michonnet declares his love for her but she is in love with Maurizio: a soldier serving under the count of Saxony. However, she doesn’t know that Maurizio is actually the count himself. The latter enters and also declares his love for her „La dolcissima effigie“. They decide to meet after the performance. Adriana gifts him with violets so that he can put them in his buttonhole. The Prince and the abbot return. They have found out the contents of Duclos’s letter in which she begs Maurizio to meet him this night, at the Prince’s villa, all the while doing this in Princess de Bouillon’s name as she is in love with Maurizio. The Prince decides to hold a ball at his villa which he has gifted Duclos, in order to uncover the romantic relationship between her and Maurizio. Duclos’s letter reaches Maurizio and he cancels his meeting with Adriana. She receives the message on stage and looks nervous. Adriana herself is also invited to the ball at the Prince’s villa, along with the rest of the actors.
Second act
The Prince’s villa on the shore of the river Seine
Princess de Bouillon (not the actress portraying her) awaits Maurizio and declares her love for him „Acerba voluttà, dolce tortura“. Maurizio arrives and the Princess reveals to him that many people want to get in the way of him ascending to the Holy Throne; in addition, she also reveals her feelings towards him. She sees the bouquet of violets he carries and he swears he has brought it especially for her. During the conversation, it becomes clear that Maurizio is prepared to leave town. The Princess berates him, believing he doesn’t love her. He asks her to accept his friendship for he cannot give her his love. At this moment, the Prince and the abbot arrive, believing Maurizio is meeting Duclos. Adriana also enters and uncovers Maurizio’s true identity (he is the count of Saxony). He begs Adriana to stop the abbot from finding out who the other woman is and to assure him he must keep her identity safe due to political reasons. Adriana becomes involved in this intrigue. During the intermezzo, under the cover of night, Adriana tells the Princess that the latter could escape. Michonnet takes a bracelet left behind by the Princess and gives it to Adriana.
Third act
The ball room at Prince de Bouillon’s villa
During the reception, the new ballet “Paris’ Choice” will be shown. While Maurizio is imprisoned due to unpaid debts, the Princess wishes to find out who her rival to his heart is. The Prince and Princess host a reception where Michonnet and Adriana are both invited; the Princess recognizes Adriana’s voice. Not long after, Maurizio enters, unscathed. Adriana is overjoyed. He sings of his feats as a soldier „Il russo Mencikoff“. Adriana finds out the bracelet found by Michonnet belongs to the Princess and the two women now realize they are rivals. The Princess begs Adriana to recite the scene of Ariadne’s abandonment. Instead, Adriana recites a scene where Fedra cheats on her husband. The Princess finds this offensive. While the guests applaud Adriana’s performance, the Princess swears she’s going to get her revenge.
Fourth act
The living room at Adriana’s home
Adriana has abandoned acting altogether. Michonnet is waiting for her to wake up. The theater troupe members arrive and offer her gifts in order to convince her to start performing again. Michonnet has received a heritage and has brought back the diamond necklace Adriana has pawned before to help Maurizio pay off his debt. A package from Maurizio arrives. Michonnet quickly makes everyone leave the room, thinking Maurizio is going to come home any minute. When Adriana opens the package, inside it she finds the bouquet of violets she had given to Maurizio. She decides that he has refused her gift and angrily tosses the flowers into the fire „Poveri fiori“. At this moment, Maurizio enters. He wishes to marry Adriana but she feels ill. Maurizio says he has not sent her these flowers. He and Michonnet discover she has been poisoned by the Princess. Adriana begins to hallucinate: she thinks she is back on stage. She falls in Maurizio and Michonnet’s arms, lifeless „Еcco la luce“.
