Opera
J. K. Tyl Theatre

The Makropulos Affair

Karel Čapek

Opera festival 2022

The National Theatre

Opera Festival 2022

Basic information

Venue

The National Theatre

Ensemble

J. K. Tyl Theatre

Language

In Czech

Premiere

October 16, 2021

Cast

2023-2024
2024-2025

Creatives

Musical preparation

Norbert Baxa

Stage director

Martin Otava

Sets

Daniel Dvořák

Costumes

Dana Haklová

Chorus master

Jakub Zicha

Light design

Antonín Pfleger

Dramaturgy

Zbyněk Brabec

About

Leoš Janáček belongs to the most respected composers of the previous century. His works are presented by leading opera houses worldwide. Janáček shocked his contemporaries by the themes he selected for his operas, including the Makropulos Affair, a 1922 text by Karel Čapek.
He was surely attracted by the character of the mysterious Elina Makropulos, a daughter of court physician to Rudolph II. The emperor feared death and ordered his physician to prepare an elixir of eternal youth and immortality. Once the potion was ready the emperor ordered the physician to test it on his daughter Elina who then lived over three hundred years long. In the opera we see Elina at the end of her existence, exhausted by the excessive length of her life and wishing for death that she fears at the same time. The philosophical message of the theme – “you fools, you are so happy to be dying soon” – is still valid today. In Plzeň it will be the first time that the Macropulos Affair will be staged as opera.

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 April-September 2024.

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

While visiting The National Theatre and the New Stage you can use again the underground car park of the National Theatre. Information and a parking fee.

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.