Prologue
Through storm and tempest, the Corsairs’ ship is heading towards the Eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea.
Act I
Scene 1. At the market
The Corsairs and their girlfriends, led by Conrad, arrive at the city square, where the market is in full swing. The ruler of the city, Seid Pasha, is going to arrive there in person, to buy girls for his harem.
Here Seid Pasha arrives with his retinue, accompanied by slave trader Isaac Lankendem. The first purchase of the lascivious old man is Gulnara, a lively and cheerful beauty. After her, Lankendem starts to lavish praises on the passionate Greek girl Medora. Everyone is stunned by her beauty, and Seid Pasha is rubbing his hands, in his dreams already the owner of such a gorgeous concubine.
However, the real world ceases to exist for Medora and Conrad, whose eyes meet. As a sign of love brightly flaring, Conrad gives the girl an amulet in the form of a bracelet, which should protect her and bring happiness.
The action is over, the desperate woman is taken to the harem, and the marketplace empties.
Scene 2. At the Grotto
Returning to the Corsairs’ quarters, Conrad falls asleep dreaming of Medora.
Scene 3. Le Jardin animé
Conrad dreams of a magical flower garden, where he and Medora are serenely happy.
Scene 4. At the Grotto
Upon awakening, Conrad realizes that life without Medora is unthinkable, and vows to find her, whatever the cost might be.
Act II
Scene 5. Seid Pasha’s Palace
The wives in Seid Pasha’s harem are preparing to meet their master. Only Medora is sad, deeply immersed in thoughts about Conrad. Medora’s friends ask her to share her sadness with them. The girl tells the story of a mysterious stranger who suddenly awakened love in her.
Seid Pasha’s arrival causes commotion in the harem. However, all his attention is riveted on Medora. Gulnara tries to distract him with the dances of beautiful odalisques, but they lull Seid Pasha to sleep. Accompanied by Gulnara, the sleeping man is carried away to his chambers.
It is midnight. Medora is alone, pining for her lover. Meanwhile, Conrad secretly sneaks into Seid Pasha’s palace and finds Medora there. The happiness of the lovers knows no bounds. Hearing the noise, Gulnara appears. She is eager to help and offers a plan for the loving couple to escape. Dressed in her friend’s robes, she will distract Seid Pasha’s attention for a while, thus giving the fugitives the chance to hide from the inevitable pursuit.
Medora and Conrad leave the palace, and Gulnara, having waited for Seid Pasha’s night visit, successfully executes her plan.
Scene 6. At the Grotto
The Corsairs greet their leader and his sweetheart and celebrate their safe return.
Epilogue
With all sails inflated by the free wind, the lovers sail towards their happiness.
