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The villagers cheer as an incoming group of circus artists arrive. Canio, the leader of the group, invites the villagers to the evening performance. Nedda, Canio’s wife, is left alone. She laments her marriage. But when Tonio, who has heard her lament, declares his love for her, she rejects him. Shortly afterwards, however, he has to watch her exchange loving words with Silvio, a man from the village. He persuades Nedda to flee with him. The offended Tonio overhears the escape plans and informs Canio.
The audience takes their seats to watch the performance Pagliaccio e Colombina. Canio can no longer separate fantasy from reality, Pagliaccio’s jealousy becomes his own and when he tries to find out the name of Colombina’s lover, he is only after the name of Nedda’s lover. As Nedda tries to continue playing, Canio breaks character: he demands the name of her lover and vows revenge.
The unsuspecting audience applauds excitedly; they are carried away by the passion of the performers. But to their horror, they see how the comedy turns into a tragedy…
