Dalibor
Hero or scoundrel? The legendary knight Dalibor even dares to defy the king!
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Basic information
The National Theatre
Approximate running time3 hours 10 minutes, 2 intermission 20 minutes
LanguageIn Czech, subtitles in Czech, English
PremiereJune 27, 2019
The libretto, penned by Josef Wenzig, is loosely based on the popular tale of Dalibor, a knight who passed his time in jail by playing the violin. Yet the main subject of Bedřich Smetana’s opera is the question of to what degree one has the right to take the law into his/her hands. Composed in 1866 and 1867, Dalibor was first presented on 16 May 1868 at the New Town Theatre in Prague, marking the laying of the foundation stone of the National Theatre.
Cast
- 2020-2021
Creatives
About
The National Theatre Orchestra and Chorus
The story of Dalibor reflects the historical events during the rule of Vladislav II, King of Bohemia, yet the plot is rather centred around a romantic legend of a knight who learns in jail how to play the violin. The popular myth, treated by a number of chroniclers and authors, served as the basis for the libretto of Smetana’s third opera. Dalibor is a romantic tragedy, with passions being the driving force; first Dalibor’s wild desire to avenge the death of his close friend and subsequently Milada’s endeavour to avenge the death of her brother. Their hatred soon gives way to mad affection for each other. But it is too late for their love to reach fruition.
Initially, Dalibor did not meet with an overly positive critical response, nor did the audience react with great enthusiasm. Nevertheless, following its first night in 1886 at the National Theatre in Prague, it would be regularly staged and given almost 1,100 performances. The opera also gained success abroad, including in Vienna, Moscow, Berlin and Edinburgh. One of the first productions beyond Bohemia was the 1897 adaptation in Vienna, conducted by Gustav Mahler, an ardent champion of Smetana’s music. The current production was created by Jaroslav Kyzlink, the music director of the National Theatre Opera, and the stage director Jiří Nekvasil.
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Practical information
Where to buy tickets
When purchasing online, we will send you an E-ticket by e-mail. You can pick up printed tickets in person at any of our box offices.
Parking at the National Theater
Kotva department store (Revoluční 1/655, Prague 1), then walk along Králodvorská street to Ovocný trh.
Palladium department store (Na Poříčí 1079/3a, Prague 1), then walk along Králodvorská street to Ovocný trh, or to the Powder Gate through Celetná street to Ovocný trh.
From the beginning of April 2020, the underground car park is closed due to reconstruction. The length of the reconstruction is estimated at a year and a half.
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.