J. K. Tyl Theatre
The Makropulos Affair
Opera festival 2022
Basic information
The National Theatre
EnsembleJ. K. Tyl Theatre
LanguageIn Czech
PremiereOctober 16, 2021
Cast
- 2024-2025
- 2025-2026
Creatives
About
Leoš Janáček belongs to the most respected composers of the previous century. His works are presented by leading opera houses worldwide. Janáček shocked his contemporaries by the themes he selected for his operas, including the Makropulos Affair, a 1922 text by Karel Čapek.
He was surely attracted by the character of the mysterious Elina Makropulos, a daughter of court physician to Rudolph II. The emperor feared death and ordered his physician to prepare an elixir of eternal youth and immortality. Once the potion was ready the emperor ordered the physician to test it on his daughter Elina who then lived over three hundred years long. In the opera we see Elina at the end of her existence, exhausted by the excessive length of her life and wishing for death that she fears at the same time. The philosophical message of the theme – “you fools, you are so happy to be dying soon” – is still valid today. In Plzeň it will be the first time that the Macropulos Affair will be staged as opera.
Share
Practical information
Where to buy tickets
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.
The National Theatre sells tickets up to 6 months in advance - currently for April–September 2025.
Sales always start on the 1st day of the month at 9am, except in January when pre-sales do not start until the 2nd day due to a public holiday.
Parking at the National Theater
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.
Buffets at the National Theater
No waiting. For your benefit, please pre-order your food and beverages at the bar to minimize waiting in the queue!
Menu (PDF, 60 kB)