Roméo et Juliette
The immortal story of the Verona lovers
Basic information
The State Opera
Approximate running time2 hours 55 minutes, 1 intermission (20 minutes) minutes
LanguageIn French, surtitles in English, Czech
PremiereApril 21, 2016
For some four centuries, the heart-wrenching story of Romeo and Juliet, the best-known lovers of all time, has warned against the fatal consequences of feuds raging between families, ethnicities, religions and nations.
Cast
- 2024-2025
Creatives
About
State Opera Chorus
State Opera Orchestra
National Theatre Opera Ballet
Based on William Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy, ever since its premiere, at the Théâtre-Lyrique in Paris on 27 April 1867, Charles Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette has been a repertoire staple of all opera houses around the globe.
There are several reasons for its perennial appeal: the splendid solos and four enthralling duets of the two protagonists; Mercutio’s elegant “Ballad of Queen Mab”; the engrossing ensembles, including the lament over the deaths of Mercutio and Tybalt; the colourful and highly emotional atmosphere. Owing to Bedřich Smetana, an ardent champion of Gounod’s music, Roméo et Juliette got to Prague merely two years after its world premiere, and its Czech staging at the New Town Theatre on 29 August 1869, with Smetana conducting, was the very first in the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
The current production at the State Opera is a modern and unconventional take on Gounod’s renowned piece by the Slovak director Sláva Daubnerová, who has created for the National Theatre adaptations of Janáček’s The Excursions of Mr. Brouček, Shostakovich’s Orango and Antiformalist Rayok, Shchedrin’s Lolita and Strauss’s Ariadne auf Naxos.
Suitable for audience from 12 years.
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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 October 2024 – March 2025.
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.
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.
Parking at the State opera
While visiting the State Opera, you can take the slip road on Wilsonova street from the left lane close to the State Opera building to the Parking Centrum above-ground garage. The parking fee is 60 CZK/h.
Buffets at the State Opera
No waiting. For your benefit, please pre-order your food and beverages at the bar to minimize waiting in the queue!
Menu (PDF, 60 kB)