Bohuslav Martinů created this musico-dramatic work made up of four self-contained and contrasting parts in 1933 and 1934. Its central theme, inspired by medieval miracle plays and legends, is the benevolence and compassionateness of the Virgin Mary, and in the wider sense (and above all) womanhood – wise, foolish, sinful, vain, affectionate, self-sacrificing, munificent... In the spirit of the inter-war avant-garde, Martinů loosens up opera conventions and in an extremely free manner handles a gamut of expressive means – from solo voice, through characters formed by a group of singers, dance, spoken word, stylisation of folk theatre and poetry, to the principles of epic theatre. The work’s latest production at the National Theatre marks the 50th anniversary of Bohuslav Martinů’s death.
Photo: Diana Zehetner
Orchestra, Chorus and Ballet of the National Theatre Opera, Prague Philharmonic Choir and Kühn's Children Choir.