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 A 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 was created by SKUTR, a directing tandem whose wildly popular adaptation of Erben’s A 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.
Tickets available at the National Theatre website.