Rusalka
Premiere performances: 8 and 10 March 2024 at the National Theatre
Basic information
The National Theatre
LanguageIn Czech, surtitles in Czech, English
PremiereMarch 8, 2024
A gem of Czech opera, a fairy tale/myth about the innermost desires, passions and insurmountable barriers between humans and natural elements, Rusalka is part of the global cultural heritage.
Cast
- 2022-2023
- 2023-2024
Creatives
About
National Theatre Chorus
National Theatre Orchestra
The National Theatre in Prague has performed the piece ever since 1901, when it hosted its world premiere. Inspired by ancient fabulous motifs and legends, particularly by H. C. Andersen’s tale The Little Mermaid and K. J. Erben’s ballads from the collection The Bouquet, the librettist Jaroslav Kvapil created an enthralling poem of exceptional linguistic and intellectual qualities. His text served as a great basis for Antonín Dvořák, a master of melody and colourful instrumentation, who went on to conceive his finest opera. (Its popularity among Czech audiences can only be compared with that of Bedřich Smetana’s The Bartered Bride.) As in the case of other classic works, the genius of Kvapil and Dvořák’s Rusalka is enhanced by the copious options of its interpretation. Accordingly, it is up to the staging team to decide which of the mysterious themes and motifs to accentuate and which path to take.
The new National Theatre production of Rusalka has been entrusted to SKUTR, a directing tandem whose wildly popular adaptation of Erben’s The Bouquet has met with great critical kudos. The music has been undertaken by Tomáš Netopil, one of the internationally most sought-after Czech conductors.
The production will be presented within the celebrations of the Year of Czech Music 2024.
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Practical information
Where to buy tickets
The National Theatre sells tickets up to 6 months in advance. On 1 March at 9am we started selling tickets for performances of Drama, Ballet, Opera and Laterna magika until the end of August 2023.
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
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 (PDF, 70 kB)