The National Ballet: What’s Up, What’s On

You probably know that, after decades of performances and long, separate traditions, the ballet companies of The National Theatre and The State Opera Prague have begun a transitional period. The two are merging into one stronger, healthier company.

The blended family now boasts the resources of a company with more than 80 dancers, five stages, and a single name.

Although their new name in Czech is Balet Národního Divadla, in English it’s The Czech National Ballet, says Helena Bartlová, public relations manager. The company performs at the National Theatre, the State Opera, the Theatre of the Estates, the New Stage, and the Kolowrat Theatre.

And now, the Czech National Ballet has a richer repertoire because it can pick the best from both “old” companies.

The next Czech National Ballet premiere, Americana III, will open Oct 25 on the State Opera stage. You can read all the details (in English and Czech) about this new piece showcasing the works of three icons of American choreography. Just click on the black “Re:Source” tab at the top of this page.

The State Opera stage will also be the scene for the “old” State Opera ballet company’s versions of Giselle and Don Quixote.

The “old” National Theatre company’s repertoire is unchanged, Mrs Bartlová tells Opus Osm, except for Sleeping Beauty, which moves to the State Opera venue. Onegin, with choreography by John Cranko, was also going to move there, but due to refurbishment of facilities at the State Opera building, this plan has been delayed.

And finally, only one ballet – Swan Lake – will still be offered on both stages, and in their respective versions.

The Czech National Ballet has announced two additional programs you won’t want to miss. “An Evening With …” is a series of interviews, open to the public, with leading dance personalities who work with the company. The next installment will take place at 4 pm Oct 17 at The New Stage, when the Ballet’s dramaturge Václav Janeček will interview three American dance experts about the choreographers featured in Americana III – George Balanchine, William Forsythe, and Jerome Robbins. The discussion will be in English with translation into Czech.

The Czech National Ballet’s second premiere of the season, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice / Krabat, is scheduled for Feb 28 on The National Theatre stage. It features choreography by Jan Kodet, stage direction by the famous director team “Skutr” – Martin Kukučka and Lukáš Trpišovský — and music by Zbyněk Matějů. — oo

– Mary Matz

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