Alcina, an enchantress, has lured many lovers to her island. When she tires of them, she transforms them into animals. Ruggiero is her latest lover – and his wife, Bradamante, has vowed to rescue him. 

ACT I

Bradamante has disguised herself as her brother, Ricciardo, and travelled to Alcina’s island with Atlante, who is disguised as ‘Melisso’, a sailor. They are greeted by Morgana, Alcina’s sister, who is immediately attracted to ‘Ricciardo’. Alcina tells the visitors they may stay on the island, and expresses her love for Ruggiero. They meet Oberto, a boy. Oberto is searching for his father Astolfo (Bradamante’s cousin). Bradamante and ‘Melisso’ suspect the boy’s father has been turned into a wild animal by Alcina. 

When Bradamante and ‘Melisso’ question Ruggiero about his former life, Ruggiero – who has only a dim memory of Bradamante – scorns them. Morgana and her jealous lover, Oronte, argue fiercely; Bradamante recognizes her own feelings of resentment and pain in their dispute. Fuelled by his jealousy, Oronte tells Ruggiero that Alcina loves ‘Ricciardo’, hoping Ruggiero will rid him of his perceived rival. 

Enraged by Oronte’s malicious charge, Ruggiero lashes out at Alcina, who is hurt by his accusation. Alcina assures Ruggiero of her love, but he is tormented by doubt. ‘Melisso’ barely prevents the unhappy Bradamante from revealing her true identity to Ruggiero. Ruggiero, who is now deeply uncertain of Alcina’s love, decides that ‘Ricciardo’ is half-mad with desire for Alcina, and insists that he, Ruggiero, and Alcina are passionate lovers with eyes only for each other. Oronte’s plan has worked: Alcina intends to prove her love for Ruggiero by turning ‘Ricciardo’ into a beast. Morgana warns Bradamante to escape and rejoices in her love for ‘Ricciardo’. 

INTERVAL

ACT II

‘Melisso’ reveals himself as Atlante. This jogs Ruggiero’s memory, and makes him realise the extent of Bradamante’s suffering. Ruggiero’s love for Bradamante is reawakened, and he longs to leave the island and see her again. However, during his reunion with his wife, Ruggiero is suddenly seized with doubts: he suspects that Bradamante is Alcina in disguise and rejects her. Bradamante is infuriated. 

Alone, Ruggiero is torn between Alcina’s enchantments and his newly-remembered love for Bradamante. Alcina prepares to transform ‘Ricciardo’ into a beast but is interrupted by Morgana and Ruggiero, who insists there is no need for her to prove her love in this way. Alcina withdraws her spell. With Alcina’s permission, Ruggiero leaves to go hunting, ambiguously declaring his devotion to his lover. 

To Alcina’s dismay, Oronte informs her that Ruggiero has left her. Morgana refuses to believe Oronte when he informs her that ‘Ricciardo’ is leaving too – and she rejects him again. Morgana witnesses the happy reunion of Ruggiero and ‘Ricciardo’. As Ruggiero bids farewell to the island, Alcina tries to prevent him from leaving with a spell, but her powers have abandoned her. 

INTERVAL 

ACT III

Morgana begs for Oronte’s forgiveness, but Oronte is conflicted. Ruggiero meets Alcina and explains why he must leave. Ruggiero defeats Alcina’s forces in battle. As Alcina’s powers wane, Oberto denounces her. Bradamante vows to remain on the island until all Alcina’s victims have been restored to freedom. 

All approach the urn that protects her magical powers. With Bradamante, Atlante, Oronte and the animals beside him, Ruggiero smashes the urn. The island’s enchanted creatures – including Oberto’s father Astolfo – are restored. They celebrate their return to human form, and ponder the loss of the animal ways that they have experienced.