The Bartered Bride

About

National Theatre Chorus and Orchestra
National Theatre Opera Ballet 
Continuo Theatre members under the leading of the Artistic Director Pavel Štourač
Dancers and members of the Prague Philharmonic Children’s Choir

Set to Karel Sabina’s comic libretto, Bedřich Smetana endowed his music with jest and wit, hyperbole, cheerful energy and moving ardour. No other composer had previously succeeded in conceiving an opera possessing such a natural, while original, Czech tone. That is why The Bartered Bride has deservedly been deemed the founding work of modern Czech opera and, by extension, Czech music in general. The piece soon exceeded the domestic framework and became a permanent part of the world’s opera repertoire.

The 20th National Theatre production of one of the most famous Czech operas is, for the first time in our history, directed by a woman. Magdalena Švecová has chosen neither the path of provocative or divisive interpretation, nor that of conventional imitation of outdated models. The Bartered Bride’s burlesque yet highly moving story is grasped with tenderness and intelligent wit, as well as an understanding for the long-gone order (disorder) of human lives in the Czech village. The production’s forcibility is enhanced by Zuzana Přidalová’s costumes, inspired by plant and animal motifs, and Ladislava Košíková’s stylish choreography, charged with energy and verve.

Photo: Hana Smejkalová