Mariinsky Ballets Scheherazade

The bored Shahriyar is being entertained by odalisques and his favourite wife Zobeide At the advice of his younger brother Shahzeman who is convinced of Zobeides unfaithfulness Shahriyar departs to go hunting An orgy begins in the harem and when it is at its height the Sultan returns unexpectedly He orders his concubines eunuchs and slaves be killed Zobeide prays to him to spare her life but not receiving Shahriyars consent kills herself