Act I
Prologue

Scene One

Deep within an ancient, impenetrable forest lies a hidden glade crowned by a gentle green hill. At its summit blooms a flower—radiant, scarlet, and impossibly beautiful. Yet this is no ordinary blossom; it is enchanted. From it emanate invisible currents—powerful, tender energies of love and devotion, binding together those destined for one another.

Drawn by its magic, men and women, youths and maidens come to the Scarlet Flower, hoping to find their soulmate and claim their happiness.

But the flower denies the sorceress its gift. Consumed by bitterness and rage after being rejected by a noble prince, she casts a cruel spell: transforming the young man into a terrifying Beast and condemning him to guard the Scarlet Flower for eternity.

Scene Two. The Wharf

The wealthy merchant Ivan Vasilyevich prepares to depart for distant lands. Together with his companions, he loads his ship with goods for trade. Meanwhile, the wharf fills with people gathered to bid farewell—among them, his three daughters.

Before departure, the daughters ask their father for gifts: the eldest desires a golden crown adorned with jewels, the middle one requests a string of pearls. The youngest, however, asks for nothing.

Yet her father insists, and at last Nastenka reveals her dream—a vision that has haunted her heart. In it, she saw a wondrous scarlet flower, more beautiful than anything in the world. This is the gift she longs for.

Moved by her words, Ivan Vasilyevich promises to fulfill all their wishes and sets sail, his ship disappearing beyond the horizon.

Scene Three. The Eastern Bazaar

The bustling Eastern market overflows with life: merchants eagerly call out to passersby, displaying their treasures, while dancers—graceful maidens with fans and exotic beauties—captivate the crowd. Pearl divers draw admiration, adding to the spectacle.

Having sold his goods with great profit, Ivan Vasilyevich searches for gifts. He easily finds those for his elder daughters—but nowhere can he discover the elusive Scarlet Flower. No one has even heard of it.

Disheartened, he returns to his ship and begins the journey home.

But the sorceress is already at work. Learning of his quest, she resolves to destroy him. By her dark magic, he is not meant to reach his homeland.

Scene Four. The Sea

A violent storm engulfs the ship. Lightning strikes the mast, winds tear at the sails.

Unable to hold on, Ivan Vasilyevich is cast into the raging sea. The ship sails on without him—but fate spares his life, and the waves carry him to an unknown shore.

Scene Five. The Island

The merchant awakens on a mysterious island. Around him stretches an enchanted forest, and ahead—upon a rise—stands a magnificent palace.

Inside, he is welcomed by magical flowers and fluttering butterflies. They offer him exquisite delicacies and dance in delight. Yet nowhere is the master of this place to be seen.

Then, upon a hill in a clearing, he beholds it—the Scarlet Flower, glowing with an otherworldly light. Instantly, he knows: this is the very flower from Nastenka’s dream.

As he reaches out to pluck it, a terrifying Beast appears as if from nowhere and seizes him. Furious, the creature threatens him with death.

Desperate, the merchant pleads for mercy, explaining that he sought the flower only for his beloved youngest daughter.

The Beast listens—and offers a bargain. The merchant may take the flower and return home, but in exchange, one of his daughters must come to the Beast in his stead. If none agree, he himself must return.

With no other choice, Ivan Vasilyevich accepts. The pact is sealed. The Beast gives him the flower and a magic ring. The moment the merchant places it on his finger…

Scene Six. The Chamber

…he finds himself back home, the flower in his hands. His daughters joyfully greet him, and all seems well—yet his heart is heavy. He cannot bring himself to reveal the terrible promise he has made.

Act II

Scene Seven. The Chamber at Night

Night falls. All sleep—except the merchant and Nastenka. Seeing her father’s sorrow, she gently persuades him to reveal the truth.

Hearing his story, she makes a silent decision.

To save her father, Nastenka takes the Scarlet Flower, puts on the magic ring—and vanishes.

Scene Eight. The Garden and the Palace

She awakens in a wondrous garden filled with sunlight and birdsong. Planting the flower upon a green hill, she follows enchanting music to the palace.

There, graceful fairies welcome her, fulfilling her every wish. She is treated with kindness and care, and soon falls into a peaceful sleep.

As she rests, the Beast appears, watching her with quiet tenderness.

Scene Nine

When Nastenka awakens and sees the Beast, fear grips her—but his gentle gaze soothes her heart.

In time, she grows accustomed to his appearance. Together they walk through the magical gardens, speaking softly, surrounded by beauty.

Scene Ten

One day, Nastenka dreams that her father is gravely ill. Distressed, she begs the Beast to let her visit him.

He agrees—but with one condition: she must return before nightfall, or he will die of longing.

She promises… and departs.

Scene Eleven. The Chamber

Back home, she finds her father sick. While her sisters are preoccupied with their own lives, Nastenka cares for him.

But the sisters, wishing her to stay, deceitfully turn back the clock.

Sensing danger, Nastenka uses the ring and returns just in time.

Scene Twelve. The Island

The Beast, weakened by despair, collapses beside the Scarlet Flower.

Scene Thirteen

Through storm and darkness, Nastenka fights her way back. At last, she finds him—lifeless, clutching the flower.

In anguish, she embraces him, calling his name, her tears and love breaking the spell.

Lightning flashes—the earth trembles—and the Beast transforms into a handsome prince. The curse is lifted.

In the golden light of dawn, the garden blossoms anew, the palace shines, and joy fills the air.

The lovers are reunited. The father blesses them. Even the sisters seek forgiveness.

A wedding is to be celebrated.

And the Scarlet Flower remains—a timeless symbol of love, devotion, and the miracle of a true heart.