Act 1 Tableau 1

Paris, April 1789. The first signs of the coming revolution begin to make an impact. The Marquis de la Force and his son, the Chevalier, discuss Blanche, the Chevalier’s fearful, nervous sister, whose carriage has been held up by a mob on her way home. The Marquis is sure things will blow over. His son is not so sure. When Blanche arrives she makes light of the incident but then tells her father that she has made up her mind to become a nun.

Act 1 Tableau 2

Weeks later at the Carmelite convent in Compiègne, Blanche is interviewed by the aged and ailing Prioress, who makes it clear to Blanche that the convent is a house of prayer, not a refuge from a terrifying world. The Prioress is touched by Blanche’s resolve to embrace her new life.

Act 1 Tableau 3

While working in the convent stores, Blanche and her fellow novice, Sister Constance, discuss their fear of death, which Constance claims to have overcome. Blanche admits her envy of her companion’s straightforward and easygoing nature. Constance shocks Blanche by telling her that she knows they will both die young and on the same day.

Act 1 Tableau 4

The Prioress is lying on her deathbed, struggling to appear calm. She feels abandoned by God. She blesses Blanche, who has decided to name herself Blanche of the Agony of Christ, after the Prioress. The Prioress confesses her fears in the hour of death, then she falls back lifeless.

Act 2 Tableau 1

In the chapel, the Prioress’ body is prepared for burial.

Act 2 First Interlude

Constance hopes that Mère Marie will be the new Prioress. She tells Blanche that she wonders why a God-fearing person like Madame de Croissy had to die such an agonizing death. Perhaps people don’t die for themselves but for others.

Act 2 Tableau 2

A new Prioress has been elected. In the chapter room, she addresses the convent, counseling patience and humility in the face of times of much change and danger. Prayer is their duty, martyrdom their reward.

Act 2 Second Interlude

A visitor is announced – it is the Chevalier, Blanche’s brother, who is about to flee the country.

Act 2 Tableau 3

The Chevalier urges Blanche to leave the convent and return to their father. Blanche replies that her duty is to the Carmelite order and her sisters.

Act 2 Tableau 4

In the sacristy, the chaplain, now forbidden by the revolutionary authorities to perform his duties, celebrates his last mass. The nuns discuss the fear that has grabbed the country and wonders if they should choose martyrdom. The new Prioress reminds them that martyrs are not chosen by their own will, only by God’s. Knocking is heard and the sounds of an angry crowd. Two Commissioners enter and tell the sisters that they have been expelled from the convent. One of them, speaking quietly to Mère Marie, adds he will do what he can to help them get away safely. One of the sisters gives Blanche a figurine of the Christ Child. When revolutionary cries are heard from outside, Blanche nervously drops the figure, breaking it. She is horrified by this omen.

Act 3 Tableau 1

In the now-vandalised chapel, and in the new Prioress’ absence, Mère Marie suggests that they all take a vow of martyrdom by unanimous decision. Noting Blanche’s reaction, the others suspect she will vote against it. When the secret ballot reveals one dissenter, Constance claims it was she and asks to reverse her vote so the vow can proceed. Blanche, afraid to live or to die, runs away.

Act 3 Tableau 2

Blanche is forced to work as a servant in the ransacked mansion of her father, who has just been sent to the guillotine. Mère Marie tracks her down to take her back to the Order. Blanche says she will join them when she can.

Act 3 Scene 3

At the state prison, the Prioress joins the sisters in their vow of martyrdom. Constance says that she has dreamed of Blanche’s return. A jailer enters and reads the death sentence. The Prioress blesses the sisters.

Act 3 Scene 4

A crowd has gathered on the Place de la Révolution. The Carmelites walk towards the guillotine, led by the Prioress and singing the Salve Regina. With each stroke of the blade, their voices are silenced one by one, finally leaving only Constance. On her way to the scaffold, Constance sees Blanche step out from the watching crowd, take up the chant, and join her in death, just as Constance foresaw. As she mounts the scaffold, Blanche sings the final stanza of the Catholic hymn traditionally used when taking vows in a religious community and offering one’s life to God.

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Synopsis by John Ramster