Rusalka

Antonín Dvořák
Libretto Jaroslav Kvapil

Human soul, pure human soul! The water nymph Rusalka longs for life above the water, for love and a human soul. The witch knows the way, but the price is high – Rusalka loses her ability to speak, but what good is speech when for her beloved prince she is just a wave on the water… The world of men, however, turns out to be cruel and full of betrayal, over which even her pure love cannot prevail.

Director David Radok and his Rusalka as a fateful drama about unfulfilled desires and human failure, about the contradictory conflict between love and erotic desire, a drama about the sinful human soul. The production will be another contribution to the Year of Czech Music. Since its creation, Dvořák’s Rusalka has been one of the most beloved and most performed Czech operas, not only thanks to its beautiful and unique music, but also because of the poetic and timeless libretto by Jaroslav Kvapil, which contains endless symbolism. The theme was perfect for David Radok, who has created a multi-layered production full of strong emotions.

 

Conductor: Marko Ivanović
Stage Director: David Radok
Set Design: David Radok based on Lars-Åke Thessman’s original set design for Rusalka at the Gothenburg Opera 2012
Costume Design: Zuzana Ježková
Lighting Desing: Přemysl Janda
Chorus Master: Pavel Koňárek
Dramaturgy: Patricie Částková

Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes
Staged in the Czech original with Czech, English and German subtitles.

 

 

  • “David Radok’s brilliant staging pins the audience to their seats and is moving them to tears.It provides no joy, and denies even catharsis, for it is chillingly authentic in its raw humanity.” klasikaplus.cz , Karla Hoffmannová

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  • “Soprano Jana Šrejma Kačírková displayed a rich vocal palette, capable of intimate piani as well as expansive, surging cantilena that blossomed into round, resonant high notes. Her voice maintained its projection and clarity even in the most unconventional staging.” klasikaplus.cz , Karla Hoffmannová

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  • „In addition, one must highlight the costumes designed by Zuzana Ježková, radiating both true craftsmanship and imagination.“ magazin.aktualne.cz, Michaela Vostřelová

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  • “Brno’s Rusalka stripped of Illusions - utterly captivating.” klasikaplus.cz , Karla Hoffmannová

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  • "David Radok has reached into the core of Rusalka’s being at the Janáček Theatre, shunning the traditional fairytale aura. Staged in a neutral setting and defined by stellar singing and acting, this tragic love story unfolds as a raw, cruel psychodrama. Dvořák’s sublime music, conducted by Marko Ivanović, continues to be timeless and deeply expressive." klasikaplus.cz , Karla Hoffmannová

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