Swan Lake
Iconic classical ballet choreographed by John Cranko.
Basic information
The State Opera
Approximate running time3 hours, 1 intermission (30 minutes) minutes
PremiereCzech premiere: 28 March 2019 at the National Theatre
The Czech National Ballet is the first big company outside Germany that obtained the right to present this great work choreographed by John Cranko and accompanied with a new set and costume design.
Swan Lake is the cornerstone of the ballet world – eternal challenge, pure beauty. It is one of the most famous classical ballets ever and together with the music of P. I. Tchaikovsky it paves the road toward the perfect artistic enterprise.
Cast
- 2024-2025
Creatives
About
Will prince Siegfried choose love and stay true to his innocent white swan girl? Or will he forget Odette and follow the requirements of his noble position? After all, foreign princesses can be so charming! It is difficult for him to resist the bewitching black swan Odile supported by the fiendish wizard Rothbart. Rather than a lovestory, this famed fairy tale is a fateful journey of the soul.
Cranko stayed true to the traditional version yet incorporated his typical dramatic talent and original perspective. Moreover, the National Theatre plays an important role in the history of this renowned piece. The first to choreograph the music in Russia was a Czech native, Václav Reisinger (the very first artistic director of the Czech National Ballet), and the second (Czech) choreographer, Augustin Berger, was extremely honoured when, after seeing his staging of Act 2 of Swan Lake in Prague Tchaikovsky said that he had experienced “one minute of absolute happiness”.
This John Cranko choreography is the 13th adaptation of the immortal ballet staged in the National Theatre.
Soloists and corps de ballet of The Czech National Ballet
Students of the Prague Dance Conservatory
Pupils of the National Theatre Ballet Preparatory School State
Opera Orchestra
Photo of the visual image: The Queens (Alexandre Katsapov, Mario Bakuš)
Photographers for production: Martin Divíšek, Serghei Gherciu, Pavel Hejný
Suitable for audience from 7 years.
Our partner PRECIOSA adorns this production with jewellery.
We would like to thank Mr. Dieter Graefe, the holder of the rights to John Cranko’s ballets, for his generosity.
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Practical information
Where to buy tickets
The National Theatre sells tickets up to 6 months in advance. We are currently selling tickets for performances of Drama, Ballet, Opera and Laterna magika taking place in November 2024 – April 2025.
When purchasing online, you can get an e-ticket. You can pick up printed tickets in person at the box offices of the National Theatre.
What to wear?
By their appearance, attire and behaviour, the audience is obliged to adhere to the accustomed practice expected from them when attending a theatre performance.
Parking at the State opera
While visiting the State Opera, you can take the slip road on Wilsonova street from the left lane close to the State Opera building to the Parking Centrum above-ground garage. The parking fee is 60 CZK/h.
Buffets at the State Opera
No waiting. For your benefit, please pre-order your food and beverages at the bar to minimize waiting in the queue!
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