The Makropulos Case
ACT I
The offices of the lawyer Dr Kolenaty. The outcome of the century-old inheritance case of Gregor vs Prus is expected today. Kolenaty outlines the case at length to the famous opera singer Emilia Marty, who reveals an uncanny knowledge of past events concerning Elian MacGregor, the mistress of "Pepi" Prus, and directs them to an unknown will. Emilia Marty wants a document in Greek from Albert Gregor, who is attracted by her.
ACT II
Backstage at the opera house. After a triumphant performance Emilia Marty holds court for her admirers. Prus and Gregor intrigue over various documents that will affect the case. Both men are now fascinated by Marty. Prus agrees to bring her the Greek document she wants if she will meet him that night.
ACT III
Emilia Marty's hotel room. Baron Prus has spent the night with Marty, but claims she is cold and unfeeling. She asks for the document. Various people arrive with questions as her past catches up with her. Emilia Marty tells her story: She was born Elina Makropulos in 1585 to the alchemist at the court of Rudolf II. Her father invented a potion to prolong life and tested it on her. She has lived for over three hundred years and changed her name several times, keeping the initials E.M. She needs to take the formula again to stay alive. But, she says, infinite life has no meaning: it only has a value when it is finite. The formula is burnt and Emilia Marty dies.