Aida
A gripping operatic drama from ancient Egypt about love and betrayal in the midst of war.
Basic information
The State Opera
Approximate running time2 hours 45 minutes, 1 intermission (20 minutes)
LanguageIn Italian, surtitles in Czech, English
PremiereJune 2, 1994
Recommended age10+
Aida is one of Giuseppe Verdi’s best-known works. Depicting the romantic love story of the Egyptian warrior Radames and the slave Aida, daughter of the Ethiopian King Amonasro, against the backdrop of a military conflict, it has been a repertoire staple of theatres worldwide ever since its triumphant premiere at the Khedivial Opera House in Cairo in 1871.
Cast
Conductor
King of Egypt
Amneris
Radames
Ramfis
Amonasro
Priestess
Messenger
Conductor
King of Egypt
Amneris
Radames
Ramfis
Amonasro
Priestess
Messenger
Creatives
About
State Opera Chorus
External Chorus
National Theatre Opera Ballet
State Opera Orchestra
The opera has mesmerised music lovers with its lavish scenery and exquisite costumes, magnificent collective scenes, as well as intimate personal drama. Aida has to decide between being loyal to her country and dedicating herself to a man who is one of the oppressors of her nation. The dilemma of choosing between love and duty is also faced by Radames, who ultimately betrays his homeland because of Aida.
Verdi wrote Aida on the basis of the French Egyptologist Auguste Mariette’s scenario, conceived to commission from Ismail Pasha, Viceroy of Egypt, for the inauguration of the Suez Canal. Impressed by the plot, Verdi travelled to Egypt so as to get a feel for the country and its culture. After returning to Italy, he had Ancient Egyptian “Aida trumpets” made in Milan which he would employ in the famous Triumphal March.
The current State Opera production premiered in 1994. A genuine Egyptian colour was afforded to the sets by the renowned Egyptian painter Hafíz Abdel Farghali, whose work uniquely projects Ancient Pharaoh-ruled Egypt’s heritage on the modern-time civilisation.
Suitable for audience from 10 years.
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Practical information
Where to buy tickets
When purchasing online, you can get an e-ticket. You can pick up printed tickets in person at the box offices of the National Theatre.
The National Theatre sells tickets up to 6 months in advance - currently for August 2026 – January 2027.
Sales always start on the 1st day of the month at 9am, except in January when pre-sales do not start until the 2nd day due to a public holiday.
What to wear?
By their appearance, attire and behaviour, the audience is obliged to adhere to the accustomed practice expected from them when attending a theatre performance.
Parking at the State opera
While visiting the State Opera, you can take the slip road on Wilsonova street from the left lane close to the State Opera building to the Parking Centrum above-ground garage. The parking fee is 60 CZK/h.
Buffets at the State Opera
No waiting. For your benefit, please pre-order your food and beverages at the bar to minimize waiting in the queue!
Detailed information at divadelnicatering.cz/en.