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Opera

Dalibor

Bedřich Smetana

Hero or scoundrel? The legendary knight Dalibor even dares to defy the king!

The National Theatre
The Year of Czech music
Suitable for graduation
Historical topic
English surtitles

Basic information

Venue

The National Theatre

Approximate running time

3 hours 10 minutes, 2 intermission (20 minutes) minutes

Language

In Czech, surtitles in Czech, English

Premiere

June 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

  • 2023-2024
  • 2024-2025

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 the conductor Jaroslav Kyzlink and the stage director Jiří Nekvasil.

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Goods detail

Dalibor Programme

A booklet for the production of Dalibor

70 Kč

Only 4 items in stock

Practical information

Where to buy tickets

The National Theatre sells tickets up to 6 months in advance. We are currently selling tickets for performances of Drama, Ballet, Opera and Laterna magika taking place in March-August 2024.


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.

Parking at the National Theater

While visiting The National Theatre and the New Stage you can use again the underground car park of the National Theatre. Information and a parking fee.

 

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.

Buffets at the National Theater

No waiting. For your benefit, please pre-order your food and beverages at the bar to minimize waiting in the queue!

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