The Bartered Bride
Typical Czech humour, guileful self-mockery, but also sympathy, compassion, kindness – by and large: joie de vivre!
Due to the government shutdown are the box offices of the National Theatre closed from 27th of December, 2020.
Basic information
The National Theatre
Approximate running time3 hours, 2 intermission 20 minutes
LanguageIn Czech, subtitles in Czech, English
PremiereSeptember 25, 2008
Bedřich Smetana’s The Bartered Bride is a true evergreen of Czech theatre and music. Every single Czech should see the opera at the National at least once! Depicting the story of calculating, ridiculous, but also sincerely loving figures from a small Czech village, the piece has been staged for more than 150 years, enthralling generations and always winning new fans. If you are still not among them, come and see the opera for yourself!
podcast
Cast
- 2020-2021
Creatives
About
The National Theatre Chorus and Orchestra
Continuo Theatre members under the leading of the Artistic Director Pavel Štoura
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Švecová has chosen neither the path of provocative or divisive interpretation, nor that of conventional imitation of outdated models.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
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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.