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.