The action takes place in Montalto, in Calabria, southern Italy, on 15 August 1865.



Prologue

During the orchestral Prelude, Tonio steps in front of the curtain and addresses the audience. He speaks of the drama that is about to unfold, telling the audience it is based on actual events. Explaining that what we are about to see applies to us all, he notes that "we all wander around in the same light … believe me, just as you are filled with lust and passion, so a heart beats inside a clown." With the words, "Let the play begin!," the curtain rises.



Act One

It is the Christian feast of the Assumption of Mary into heaven. During the celebration the people gather in the village square to watch Canio's recently arrived troupe of actors. Trumpets, shouts, and playing children make such a racket that Canio can hardly make his introduction and announcement heard: "We have prepared an excellent play today." Tonio springs from the troupe's wagon and tries to help Nedda, Canio's wife, down the ramp. However, the jealous Canio punches Tonio. The crowd teases the enraged Tonio, who wishes to bring down the "donkey," Canio. Tonio is willing to play the clown on stage but not in real life. Canio tells Nedda that it is his love for her that makes him jealous, and if he finds her "with another man, that's the end, little girl." A group of musician passes on their way to vespers and the people evacuate the village square, leaving Nedda alone to sing her "Birdsong." Tonio notices the solitary Nedda on the stage and tries to approach her once again, but Nedda drives him away with a whip. Tonio finally realizes that Nedda despises him and that he will get nowhere with her. In the meantime, Silvio, a young farmer, has come over the wall in search of Nedda, whom he wants to convince to run off with him. Tonio witnesses the lovers' conversation and sets off to bring Canio from the tavern. When Canio arrives, Silvio manages to escape back over the wall. Canio then turns on Nedda, using force to make her give the name of her lover. Beppo, one of the troupe's actors, reminds everyone that a show is about to begin and that the audience has already assembled. Canio, left behind and distraught, realizes the show must go on and that he must act the clown, smiling and laughing, because that is how he earns his living. After his "Vesti la giubba, e la faccia infarina" (Put on your costume and paint your face), the curtain falls.



Act Two

The "play within a play" begins. Silvio is among the assembled audience despite the fact that he has been warned of Canio's anger. Silvio and Nedda plan to flee after the show. On stage, Colombina (played by Nedda) sits at a table in a room waiting for Harlequin (Beppo), with whom she plans to elope and leave her husband, Pagliaccio (Canio). Harlequin sings a serenade from behind the stage. With a basket filled with items to sell, Taddeo (Tonio) enters the room and begins to confess his love for her. However, Harlequin appears and Taddeo leaves, quickly, amusing the onstage audience. As Nedda and Harlequin sing a happy duet, Harlequin senses Pagliaccio's arrival and jumps out the window, repeating the words Silvio said to Nedda when they parted earlier in the evening. Pagliaccio enters and demands to know the name of Colombina's lover, just as Canio had demanded of Nedda only shortly before. Soon, Canio is no longer playing Pagliaccio, and his anger takes over and leads to a great outburst. The audience applauds the excellent "acting" while Nedda continues to play her role. Beppo, behind the scene, notices the mounting danger, but is held back from intervening by Tonio. Canio threatens to kill Nedda if she does not give the name of her lover, then picks up a knife from the table and stabs her. Dying, she cries out for Silvio. Silvio runs onto the stage to help, only to be stabbed by Canio. Canio, exhausted, allows himself to be apprehended as Tonio turns to the audience offstage, telling them, "Go home, the comedy is over."

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