Although the word theatre is derived from the Greek ‘theaomai’ [“to see”], theatre performances appeal to both the eye and ear. Brno Daily presents a monthly overview of the best drama, ballet, and opera at the National Theatre in Brno (NdB), with a focus on the international audience. Photo: “Kerosene Lamps”. // Credit: NdB.
December Drama at Mahen Theatre
Brno, Dec 4 (BD) – The last month of 2018 will offer theatre-goers two productions with English subtitles. On December 7, “Milenci nebes” [“Heavenly Lovers”], known internationally as “Children of Paradise”, which premiered in October, will transport you to the luminous stages of French theatres of the 19th century with a story of uncompromising love. Spectators will be accompanied on their journey into the past by characters inspired by historical figures, with a stage backdrop of spectacular mirrors that reflect the story of love and desperation in the world of theatre.
The second December play that the theatre has prepared with English subtitles is the Czech classic “Kerosene Lamps”, on Saturday, December 22. The story describes what happens when we are taken over by agonizing desire and fear. When a cousin marries a cousin. When an ageing woman hopes to find love in the arms of a handsome man with a terrible secret. The message is that the greatest human heroism is accepting our destiny.
Ballet Brings the Spirit of Christmas to Janáček Theater
The Brno National Theatre Ballet returns to the newly-renovated Janáček Theatre with Tchaikovsky’s enchanting fairytale ballet “The Nutcracker” [“Louskáček”].
Thanks to her nutcracker toy, a young girl named Clara sets off on Christmas Eve on a journey through fabulous worlds, dreams and Christmas spells. “Our production, transferred from Montreal, Canada, is based on a number of roles for children and small roles, and that’s why this choreographic version has a tremendous charm for audiences, and also the little performers,” said Barbora Hniličková, head of PR for the NdB Ballet.
The play is recommended for children from 4 years of age.
Tickets are available for December 8, 9 (2x), 10, 14, 15 (2x), 16, 22 (2x), and 31 (2x); and then for January 4, 5, and 6, 2019.
Opera at Christmas Time: Vivaldi and Martinů
This Christmas, Brno will host the instrumental ensemble Collegium 1704 and its vocal part Collegium Vocale 1704, with a program devoted to Antonio Vivaldi, one of the greatest composers of the Italian baroque.
The concert, entitled Benátské nešpory [“Venetian Evensong”], will present Antonio Vivaldi primarily as a creator of spiritual vocal pieces full of beautiful music and deep emotion.
Vivaldi’s Benátské nešpory with Collegium 1704 will take place in Mahen Theatre on December 30, 2018.
‘The Miracles of Mary’ by Bohuslav Martinů, a Moravian native from the town of Polička, is inspired by medieval plays and legends about the miracles of the Virgin Mary, and in a broader sense is about womanhood itself, in all its flaws and glories. The opera will be performed on December 19 and 20 in Janáček Theater, in the Czech original with Czech and English subtitles.
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