Plot is a Hot Mess Award:
The Indian Queen, Henry Purcell, unfinished at the time of his death in 1695
Synopsis
Some years before the Spanish Conquest in
Mesoamerica—a war began between the Inca and the Aztecs.
Prologue
The prologue opens with two children discussing the Inca conquest of the Aztecs.
Act I
Montezuma, a young warrior, leads the Inca army in battle capturing Acais, the son of the mexican queen, Zempoalla. For his success Montezuma asks for the hand of Orazia, the princess of the Incas but is refused by King Inca. Acais also falls in love with Orazia, creating a love triangle between the three characters.
Meanwhile, in the Aztec lands Zempoalla believe Acais to be dead. This angers Zempoalla, who declares vengeance on the Incas. In his anger Montezuma joins the Atzec army, who begin to win the war.
Act II
Zempoalla sends her General Traxalla after Montezuma. Montezuma captures King Inca and Orazia, but the two are quickly stolen from Montezuma by Traxalla. Montezuma and Acias, though rivals, work together to try and save Orazia. Both men are fail however, and are stopped. Montezuma is captured.
These events are commented on by Fame, Envy, and the God of Dreams in song.
Act III
With Montezuma captured, Zempoalla falls deeply in love with him. This troubles Zempoalla who seeks the aid and advice of Ismeron, a conjuror, the God of Dreams, and the spirits. None of them give Zempoalla aid.
General Traxalla also falls in love with Orazia, further complicating the interpersonal drama.
Act IV
Zempoalla and Traxalla visiting Montezuma in prison. Zempoalla threatens Traxalla to keep him from killing Montezuma and Zempoalla confesses her love to Montezuma but is refused. Traxalla does the same to Orazia, who refuses him as well. Monzezuma and Orazia choose death over giving their lives to Zempoalla and Traxalla. Zempoalla and Traxalla leave and order Orazia, Montezuma, and King Inca to be ritually sacrificed.
After Zempoalla and Traxalla depart Acias arrives however to remove Orazia. In this conflict Acias challenges Montezuma to a duel over Orazia and Acias is given a fatal wound.
Traxalla and Zempoalla arrive back to the prison with the Aztec army and recapture Montezuma and Orazia. Orazia sings a love song to Montezuma.
Act V
Priests of the Aztecs arrive at the prison to sacrifice Orazia, Montezuma, and King Inca. During this, Zempoalla watches Acias bleed to death from and breaks down. In her grief Zempoalla tries to kill Montezuma but chooses to cut him free of his bindings instead. Montezuma then kills Traxalla.
In a shocking twist, Amexia arrives and is revealed as the rightful Queen of the Aztecs. Amexia describes all that happens and we learn that Montezuma is actually a prince of the Aztecs and heir to the throne. Zempoalla, now completely distraught, reveals a dagger and stabs herself, taking her own life in grief.
Now satisfied, King Inca gives Montezuma a blessing to marry. In the 1695 premiere, the bodies of Acias, Traxalla, and Zempoalla are left on stage.
