Rehearsals of Billy Budd in full swing

The first production to be premiered in the new year will be that of Benjamin Britten’s Billy Budd. The opera, which will receive its Czech premiere, will be staged at the National Theatre in its original, four-act version. The lead roles will be performed by the American singer Christopher Bolduc and the Israeli bass-baritone Gidon Saks, while the Slovak tenor Štefan Margita will appear as Captain Vere. The music has been explored by the renowned British conductor Christopher Ward, the direction has been undertaken by Daniel Špinar. The tragic story unfolds on a British battleship during the Napoleonic Wars. Billy, a handsome, naive and trustful boy, falls victim to a dastardly sadistic manipulator, the master-at-arms Claggart, who falsely accuses him of inciting a mutiny. Billy inadvertently kills his tormentor and is subsequently sentenced to death. Captain Vere struggles with a harrowing dilemma: should be pardon the innocent boy, or should he comply with the rules of war. He ultimately fails to prevent the tragedy, the memory of which will haunt him for the rest of his days.  

Don’t miss the opportunity to see top-notch singers! The production will only be given six performances in the current season!

Further information about the production HERE