Synopsis
The action takes place in Paris in the 19th century.

Act 1 Violetta’s apartment
Violetta Valéry, a celebrated courtesan, is throwing a party to mark her recovery from a serious illness. Gaston de Letorières introduces his shy young friend Alfredo Germont, explaining that Alfredo has called every day to enquire after her health. Charmed, Violetta pointedly remarks that her protector, Baron Douphol, has failed to show a similar concern. The Baron is instantly jealous of Violetta’s new guest.
Supper is announced and Gaston calls on the Baron to propose a toast. He refuses and Alfredo is persuaded to sing instead.
A band strikes up in the adjoining room and Violetta invites her guests to dance, but suddenly she turns pale and falters; her illness has returned. The others go through but Alfredo stays behind. He seizes the chance to confess to Violetta that, for over a year, he has been in love with her from afar. She laughs in his face and tells him frankly that love is something she has never known nor can offer in return. Crestfallen, he turns to go but Violetta makes a bargain with him, giving him a flower with instructions to return when it has withered – tomorrow.
It is nearly dawn and the guests take their leave. Left alone, Violetta is torn; Alfredo’s declaration of love has touched her profoundly, although she is certain that her life is destined to be brief and devoted to the pursuit of pleasure. But Alfredo’s voice haunts her.

INTERVAL
ACT 2 Scene 1 – A house near Paris
Three months have passed since Violetta first met Alfredo and she has fallen deeply in love with him. Renouncing her former life as a courtesan, she has set up home with him at Bougival, in the countryside on the outskirts of Paris. But Alfredo is not rich and Violetta has begun secretly to sell her possessions to support them. Alfredo learns this from Annina, Violetta’s maid, and sets off for the city to raise money to buy them back.
Flora Bervoix, an old friend from the demi-monde, has invited Violetta and Alfredo to a party that evening in Paris. Violetta happily declines.
An unexpected visitor is announced – Giorgio Germont, Alfredo’s father. He begins by angrily accusing her of ruining his son. Insulted and upset, she lets him see the sale receipts for her belongings and he moderates his tone. But he still means to obtain a sacrifice from her; the scandal of his son’s open relationship with a courtesan has disgraced the Germont name and put the respectable marriage of Alfredo’s sister in jeopardy. He demands that she give Alfredo up. Violetta is distraught and tries to explain the immensity of the love she feels for Alfredo; even the disease that she knows will deprive her of many more years of happiness. Germont listens sympathetically but stands firm. With brutal politeness, he points out that Violetta’s relationship with Alfredo will never be acceptable to Society and is inevitably doomed. Finally, she agrees. She asks that Germont remain nearby to comfort his son and begins to write a letter to Baron Douphol. Germont leaves.
Annina is sent to Paris to deliver the letter and Violetta begins to write another to Alfredo, who surprises her with his sudden return. An angry note from his father was waiting for him in Paris and Alfredo is expecting a visit at Bougival. Confused and desperate, Violetta is forced to bid a loving farewell to Alfredo, who cannot understand the reason for her passionate outburst. She leaves the house on a pretext but ensures that her letter is delivered to Alfredo.
The letter tells him that she is leaving to return to her former life and lover, Baron Douphol. As Violetta asked, Germont is at hand to try to comfort his son but Alfredo’s eyes fall on the invitation to Flora’s party and in desperation he heads for Paris, determined to find Violetta.

ACT 2 Scene 2 – Flora’s apartment in Paris
Flora has spared no expense in throwing her party; Gaston is in charge of the entertainment and she is expecting Violetta as guest of honour. Her lover, Marquis d’Obigny, tells her and their friend, Doctor Grenvil, that Violetta has left Alfredo and will be coming with the Baron instead. Gaston arrives with an entourage to entertain the guests.
Alfredo suddenly appears, apparently unconcerned about Violetta, who now arrives on the Baron’s arm. Uneasily, the guests settle down to a game of cards, which swiftly turns into a hostile battle between Alfredo and Baron Douphol. When dinner is announced, Violetta begs Alfredo to stay behind to talk with her.
Hurt and angry, Alfredo accuses her. Desperately, Violetta lies and tells him that she is in love with the Baron. Alfredo furiously calls the company back from the table; he intends publicly to pay her in full for her services and throws his winnings from the Baron in her face.
The guests are appalled and Giorgio Germont has arrived in time to witness the scene. He renounces his son and the Baron throws his glove to Alfredo in challenge. Violetta’s brilliant career as a courtesan is at an end.