Antony McDonald’s five-star production of Rusalka brings a dark and poignant fairy tale to life. Inspired by the same folk story as The Little Mermaid, this hugely imaginative yet unsettling production contrasts sweet and touching moments of beauty with the menacing story at its core. Read more …
Rusalka, a water nymph, longs to be human so she can win the love of the Prince. The witch, Ježibaba, grants her wish but there are conditions: Rusalka cannot use her voice, and she will be cursed for eternity if her Prince does not remain true. Soon, she has everything she’s ever dreamed of, but dreams are fickle things and it seems her sacrifice may well be her undoing.
To say the piece is traditional is not to say that it is staid, however. This is a staging that bristles with, often macabre, humour.
Fused into a hugely satisfying whole.
Scottish Opera: Rusalka
Preview: Rusalka, Scottish Opera
Theatre Royal, Glasgow from Tuesday April 5, 2016, until Saturday April 9, 2016. More info: www.theambassadors.com/theatreroyalglasgow/
Festival Theatre, Edinburgh from Thursday April 14, 2016, until Saturday April 16, 2016. More info: http://www.edtheatres.com/festival
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