Ruth

Synthetic Opera

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Operas and songs performed solely by computer

This is the Act 1 story page.  You can listen to the music and words by clicking on the link.

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Story

Act 1

Scene 1 - Outside the walls of Bethlehem

Ruth and her mother-in-law Naomi arrive at the walls of Bethlehem early in the morning. The city gates are closed. Ruth is tired and falls asleep. While waiting for the city gates to open Naomi recalls her story. She, her husband and her two sons had left Israel for Moab years before, because of famine. Her sons had married Moabite women. Then her husband and sons had died and she decided to return to Israel with her daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah. On the way Orpah had turned back. Ruth awakes and Naomi tries to persuade her to go back to Moab. But Ruth replies that Moab has bad memories for her and she hopes for a new future in Israel. She pledges her allegiance to Naomi and to Naomi’s God. The gates open and Naomi goes to find the gatekeeper. She hopes he will know the whereabouts of her kinsman.

Scene 2 - Outside the walls of Bethlehem, later

Ruth recalls the powerful dream she has just had in which she gives birth to David, king and saviour of Israel. Her initial excitement gives way to anxiety. How will she, a Moabite, find a husband amongst these Hebrews? How could she have pledged herself to a God of whom she knows nothing? Hearing voices, she hides. Boaz, a landowner and his servant, Perez, approach. After telling Perez to prepare for the forthcoming harvest Boaz goes into the city. Perez gives vent to his jealousy of Boaz and his discontent that he cannot find a woman who will love him. He sees Ruth and, attracted, says he will find work for her. They arrange to meet and Perez leaves.

Scene 3 - Outside the walls of Bethlehem, later still

Naomi returns, in despair that the gatekeeper does not know any of her kinsmen. She tells Ruth that God is punishing her for her son’s sin in marrying Ruth. Ruth is dismayed. Naomi feels guilty when she sees the effect of her words on Ruth. She recalls what Ruth has had to give up. Ruth comforts Naomi and they enter the city together.