Samson et Dalila, Samson and Delilah: Character Map
Samson et Dalila, Samson and Delilah: Roles
| Samson | Monstrous man with long hair | tenor |
| Dalila | mezzo-soprano |
| High Priest of Dagon | baritone | |
| Abimélech | satrap of Gaza | bass |
| First Philistine | tenor | |
| Second Philistine | bass | |
| Philistine Messenger | tenor | |
| Old Hebrew | bass |
- Native title: Samson et Dalila
- Composers: Camille Saint-Saëns
- Librettist: Ferdinand Lemaire
- Based on: Samson and Delilah
- Language: French
- Premiere: December 2, 1877, Ducal Theatre, Weimar
- Running time: 2 hours 10 minutes (Act 1: 45 minutes, Act 2: 45 minutes, Act 3: 40 minutes)
Samson et Dalila, Samson and Delilah: Short Synopsis
The Philistines were ruling over the Hebrews. Samson, a monstrous man, tells the Hebrew people that the time has come for forgiveness. The Hebrews and Samson revolt. The high priest of Dagon and the Philistines abandon the city. Delilah, a beautiful woman, appears to the celebrating Hebrews and Samson. Delilah seduces Samson and tells him to come to her house.
Delilah is waiting for Samson. She has seduced him three times before and is determined to get the secret of his power this time. Samson comes to see Delilah. She asks him for his secret. Delilah calls the Philistine soldiers and hands Samson over to them.
Samson has his hair cut off, is blinded, and is forced to work as a slave. The high priest of Dagon holds a feast in the temple. Samson shakes the two pillars in the center of the temple, causing it to collapse.