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) 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
- 2022-2023
- 2023-2024
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.
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Practical information
Where to buy tickets
The National Theatre sells tickets up to 6 months in advance. On 1 June at 9am we started selling tickets for performances of Drama, Ballet, Opera and Laterna magika until the end of November 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.
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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.
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No waiting. For your benefit, please pre-order your food and beverages at the bar to minimize waiting in the queue!
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