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Act 1.?Writer Gustav von Aschenbach is seen wandering the streets of Munich, seeking inspiration that seems to have deserted him. He becomes aware of a mysterious Traveller who conjures up visions of an exotic landscape, rousing in Aschenbach the urge to travel. On the boat to Venice, Aschenbach is disconcerted by the grotesque appearance of a rouged Elderly Fop. A gondolier rows Aschenbach towards the Lido, contrary to his intentions. On disembarking, the Gondolier mysteriously disappears leaving Aschenbach to reflect on the gondola as a symbol of death. On his arrival at the hotel, the Hotel Manager leads Aschenbach to his room and shows him the splendid view of the beach. As the Hotel Guests assemble for dinner, Achenbach becomes aware of a Polish family, particularly the beautiful young boy Tadzio. Aschenbach ponders on the artist's predilection for beauty. Next day on the beach, Aschenbach is troubled by the heavy atmosphere and greying skies, but the games of Tadzio and his friends offer distraction. Unable to fight off the oppressive mood, he decides he must leave Venice but a misunderstanding over his luggage provides a pretext for returning to the hotel. In an idyllic interlude, we see Tadzio and his companions competing in games and other athletic events – Tadzio is the victor in all. Aschenbach intends to speak to the boy, but at the crucial moment turns away. He realises the truth of his feelings in the anguished cry, 'I love you'.
Act 2.?Aschenbach is troubled by rumours of a cholera outbreak in Venice. He sees the Polish family and begins distractedly following them. In a travel bureau, the English clerk advises Aschenbach to leave the city. In a dream interlude, the competing voices of Apollo and Dionysus are heard, culminating in a dark orgy. All restraint cast aside, Aschenbach attempts a winning rejuvenation at the Barbers, ironically recalling the Elderly Fop that so disgusted him earlier. He starts to follow the family again, but sinks down, exhausted, by a well-head where he traces his path to the abyss via Socrates' words to Phaedrus. Back at the hotel Aschenback learns that the Polish family is due to leave. Out on the beach, Tadzio wrestles with Jaschiu but is overcome. Aschembach cries out as if to defend him. Tadzio begins a slow walk out to sea as Aschenbach slumps dead in his chair.
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