Antonín Dvořák
Rusalka
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.
This new version of Rusalka is based on Lars-Åke Thessman’s original set design for Rusalka at the Gothenburg Opera 2012.
Premiere: 5 April 2024 at the Janáček Theatre
Staged in the Czech original with Czech, English and German subtitles.
Synopsis of the Opera
Part 1
Rusalka wants to leave the world in which she lives with the water sprite Vodnik and the witch Ježibaba. She longs for an ideal world and an ideal love. Vodnik warns her, but when he sees that his warnings are futile, he sends her to see Ježibaba. She promises help, but the price is high.
The Prince meets Rusalka. Rusalka’s naturalness, contrasting with his own world, captivates him and he takes her to his castle. Preparations for the wedding of the Prince and Rusalka are in
full swing. Among the guests is a Foreign princess seeking the favour of the Prince. He succumbs to her provocativeness and sensuality, so different from Rusalka. Desperate Rusalka seeks help from Vodnik. He encourages her to fight, but it is too late. The prince has fallen completely under the spell of the princess.
Part 2
Rusalka has returned to her world devoid of hope and disillusioned. Ježibaba offers her a way out, but she must kill the one who let her down. Rusalka refuses. As he comes to the end of his life, the Prince realises that he has lost his true love. He tries to win her back. They meet again, but there are things that cannot be undone…
Production team
Cast
When do we play?
Rusalka
Lecturer's introduction before the performance- 23/11/2024
- 19:00 - 21:45
Rusalka
Lecturer's introduction before the performance- 06/12/2024
- 19:00 - 21:45