Act1

To the accompaniment of the pompous sounds of a polonaise, a gathering of noblemen in the castle of the Stolniks', a royal steward, is celebrating the forthcoming marriage of his daughter Zofia to the owner of the neighbouring estate, Janusz. The festive atmosphere of the evening is interrupted by the plaintive voice of the peasant girl, Halka, a serf, who is expecting a child from Janusz, who promised to marry her. She cannot believe he would be unfaithful and yearns to be near her lover. Janusz is very disturbed by Halka's singing, fearing the discovery of this love which transgresses all the conventions of his class and thus the breach with Zofia, marrying whom means for him wealth and social privileges. He goes alone to Halka and urges her, by making false promises and professing his love for her, to leave the park. He has been seized by a noticeable restlessness when he returns to the festivities.

Act II

Halka remains in the park at night. The peasant lad Jontek, like Halka one of Janusz's serfs, who has long expressed his unrequited love for the girl, meets her here. All attempts to convince Halka of Janusz's unfaithfulness and falseness are met with her unshakable faith in her lover. Not until the cheers to the young bride and groom can be heard echoing from the castle does she become aware of Janusz's falsehood and treachery. She calls to him and in her despair demands her rights at the castle door. But Janusz curtly tells her to leave and even promises Jontek a rich reward if he will take her with him. Finally the assembled company appears. Janusz disowns Halka and drives her away with the words:

'Return to the servants. The festivities can continue.'

Act III

One month later. In Janusz's village, the gorals, the peasants who inhabit this district, are celebrating Sunday with spirited dances, although the oppressive burden of their life of drudgery never leaves their minds. Jontek takes Halka, now completely broken, to her home village and describes her tragic fate to the gorals. Defiantly the villagers grumble against feudal power and their lack of rights.

Act IV

In the evening in the village square Jontek indulges in longing for his love of Halka, whom he would still like to help. Halka waits outside the church for the procession. Zofia and the other wedding guests recognise sad Halka, but Janusz again disowns her and sends her away. During the marriage ceremony Halka ponders the senselessness of her life. In her love, however, she forgives faithless Janusz before throwing herself into the river. She cannot be saved. When the wedding party leaves the church and the steward demands a joyful wedding song from the gorals they angrily threaten, 'Let's gaily sing'.