SYNOPSIS

Act One

   Boys and girls are entertaining themselves on the river bank. Natalka arrives to fill the buckets with water. She is missing her beloved, Petro, who is abroadearning money. Vozniy sees the girl, approaches her and reveals his love for her. Natalka first pretends not to understand his flirting, but later simply turns him down.
    Viborniy appears singing a song. Vozniy asks him to help him marry Natalka.

Act Two

    The poor hut of the peasant Terpelyha.
    The mother, despairing at her poverty, reproaches her daughter, Natalka, for turning suitors down. Natalka answers that she loves only Petro and nobody else.
    Viborniy arrives. He has decided to help Vozniy and broker the marriage with Natalka. Viborniy advises Terpelyha to give her daughter to a rich man so that she can finally forget her poverty.

Act Three

    A village street.
    Burlak Mykola sings a song about his sad destiny.
    Petro arrives. He is now back in his home village and dreams to meet his beloved. Mykola tells Petro about Natalka’s engagement to Vozniy. Petro is in despair. He asks Mykola if Natalka has been engaged against her will.
    Suddenly Natalka appears. She vows to Petro that she loves only him and now, as he is back, she will cancel the engagement with Vozniy.
    Terpeleha and Vozniy are indignant. Petro is prepared to reconcile his destiny and leave the village if this will please Terpelyha. Natalka’s mother is touched by Petro’s gesture. Vozniy is touched, too. He believes at least once in his lifetime he should do the right thing- let Natalka and Petro be happy!