Rusalka
A spellbinding fairy tale, or an ancient myth of man against Nature? Rusalka is both.
Basic information
The National Theatre
Approximate running time3 hours 10 minutes, 2 intermission (20 minutes)
LanguageIn Czech, surtitles in Czech, English
PremiereMay 13, 2009
Water, fire, blood, an arrow, a dagger ... Passion, disillusion, revenge, forgiveness ... One of the world’s loveliest operas in a profound and meditative production abounding in mysterious symbols, magic light and wonderful music.
Cast
Conductor
Witch, Foreign Princess
First Wood Sprite
Second Wood Sprite
Third Wood Sprite
Gamekeeper / Hunter
Conductor
Witch, Foreign Princess
First Wood Sprite
Second Wood Sprite
Third Wood Sprite
Gamekeeper / Hunter
Creatives
About
National Theatre Chorus
National Theatre Orchestra
National Theatre Opera Ballet
Antonín Dvořák’s Rusalka is a true gem of Czech opera, one that has won over audiences worldwide. Ardent melodies, both tender and dramatically extreme, the composer’s masterful work with musical motifs and full-blooded orchestration, as well as Jaroslav Kvapil’s fabulous libretto, evoking K. J. Erben’s simple yet immensely forcible ballads, make Rusalka a work of fascinating beauty addressing audiences of all ages.
Rusalka has customarily been deemed a “mere” fairy-tale. To be sure, there is no doubt that the fantastic story and the characters of the wood nymphs, the water goblin and the witch are of a fairy-tale ilk, yet in its fairy-tale scenes Dvořák’s masterpiece bears an enciphered profound message about the fundamental order of forces, elements, energies and passions in the natural, and therefore also human, world.
Photo: Hana Smejkalová, Petra Hajská and Petr Neubert
Suitable for audience from 10 years.
Photo and video gallery
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We love opera (CZE)
The first book of opera for children and their parents. The book is written in Czech language.
Practical information
Where to buy tickets
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.
The National Theatre sells tickets up to 6 months in advance - currently for September 2026 – February 2027.
Sales always start on the 1st day of the month at 9am, except in January when pre-sales do not start until the 2nd day due to a public holiday.
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!
Detailed information at divadelnicatering.cz/en.