Prague, 17 April 2017 The National Theatre presents a premiere of the science-fiction opera “Krakatit” based on Karel Čapek´s novel on 20 and 21 April 2017. It was composed by one of the most versatile creators of the Czech operatic theatre - Václav Kašlík. The libretto of the opera was written by Otakar Vávra. This alarming work is directed by the film and theatre director Alice Nellis and the author of the stage design is Matěj Cibulka. The Orchestra of the National Theatre will perform under the baton of Petr Kofroň, the artistic director of the Opera of the National Theatre and State Opera.

Otakar Vávra created the libretto based on a philosophical science-fiction work which
predicted the rapid development of modern science and, most significantly, the path of human
civilisation to the very brink of extinction in the form of a parable. This production will mark
the centenary of Václav Kašlík´s birth. Kašlík was not only the conductor and director who
dedicated his work to the National Theatre but he was also the world-known composer and
the author of several operas and ballets at the same time.

The title role of Ing. Prokop will be sung by Josef Moravec: "The role of Ing. Prokop is very
extensive and musically demanding. I feel it as a big challenge but at the same time I'm
looking forward to it. "

In the solo parts we will hear Lucie Hájkova as Anči, Richard Haan as Dr. Tomeš, Daniel
Klánský as Tomeš, Václav Sibera as Carson, the Princess wil be Alžběta Poláčková.
Director Alice Nellis used all her movie experience: " The libretto of Krakatit itself has
several levels: one part of it takes place in memories, another part as the imagination.
So we were looking for different layers of reality in repeating shapes and the possibilities of
interconnection between reality, lights and projection. " She emphasizes the permanent value
of the work: "The question of the responsibility for our own life and for what we leave to
future generations is evergreen."

The next opera premiere will be Lohengrin by Richard Wagner as a revival of the stage
production of the Bayreuth Festival Lohengrin in 1967. The revival director will be Katharina
Wagner, a great-granddaughter of Richard Wagner.