The Jacobin
A playful, humorous and tender production for children and adults alike. Let’s return to our schooldays for a while!
Basic information
The National Theatre
Approximate running time3 hours, 1 intermission
LanguageIn Czech, subtitles in Czech, English
PremiereOctober 8, 2011
Dvořák’s The Jacobin is one of the most popular and most frequently performed Czech operas. Set in the 18th century, the plot unfurls in a small Czech town, to which a “suspicious” native returns after having lived abroad for years. The stage director Jiří Heřman takes us to the school where the teacher Benda rehearses with the pupils a famous festive cantata, while other protagonists recall their loves, or are taught a lesson.
Cast
- 2021-2022
Creatives
About
National Theatre Chorus and Orchestra
National Theatre Opera Ballet
Prague Philharmonic Children's Choir
At the end of the 18th century, Bohuš, a count’s son, who at one time was hounded out by his father owing to his liberalism, returns from Paris to his native small town in Bohemia. Yet before he is allowed to reconcile, he and his wife are caught up in a slew of provincial intrigues which the locals direct both at themselves and – because of his being suspected of “Jacobinism” – against the couple. The opera features a number of stock and popular dramatic types – the happily amorous Jiří and Terinka, between whom the arrogant burgrave Filip wants to drive a wedge; the count’s power-hungry nephew Adolf; as well as the good-natured teacher Benda. The scene at the school during which Benda is rehearsing with the children a festive cantata in honour of the new master is one of the most remarkable in Czech opera.
As in many other similarly tuned Czech dramatic works, here too all the accumulated conflicts are resolved amicably. Besides the traditional title of the opera, The Jacobin, the stage director Jiří Heřman foregrounds the libretto’s lesser-known original name, Mother’s Song, which actually far more appositely indicates that which Dvořák’s opera is all about – tenderness, noble-mindedness, loving care, and the ability of music to soften even the most hardened of hearts.
Photographer for production: Hana Smejkalová
Photo and video gallery
Share
Our e-shop
Practical information
Where to buy tickets
The National Theatre offers tickets for August – November 2021.
Tickets for November on sale from August1st.
When purchasing online, we will send you an E-ticket by e-mail. You can pick up printed tickets in person at the box offices of the National Theatre.
According to the government's decision, visitors must meet these conditions.
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.
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!
Menu