Do you like theatre? Me – very much. I do realize that during a short tourist trip often there is not enough time for theatre performances, but I still encourage you to include such experiences on the “to do in Prague” list. Today I will tell you a few interesting facts about the National Theatre (Národní Divadlo).
This characteristic theatre building, located on the waterfront by the Legia bridge, is also sometimes called ”the golden chapel on the Vltava river”. And thanks to its wonderful roof finish, reminiscent of a golden crown, glistening beautifully in the setting sun (I recommend the view from the left bank of Prague, e.g. from Hradčany or from the Charles Bridge), and thanks to its function – it is a real temple of the theatre.
There is probably no other theater in the world with an equal number of cornerstones as the Prague National Theatre, and yet delivered with such meticulousness and honours. What would be you guess – how many were they laid? Twenty-one! They come from various places important for the culture and mythology of Bohemia and Moravia, among others from the holy mountains Radhošť, Říp, Blaník, Hostýn, from Domažlice, from Trocnov … For the solemn act of laying the foundation stone, which took place on May 16th, 1868, a stone block was chosen from Lounovice under the mythical Blaník mountain. This one along with the second stone from Šumava (where the source of the national river of the Czechia springs, Vltava) have been built into the foundations, while the others are incorporated into the walls in such a way that they are visible – and spectators strolling during the break of the performance (on the lowest available floor, below street level) can see them.
Both in terms of architecture and decoration, we are dealing with a gem. The best architects, sculptors, painters, decorators and sound engineers paced the construction and finishing works. To this day, this theatre is considered the greatest work of Czech architecture of the nineteenth century.
There are not many theatres in the world that can boast of the fact that they arose thanks to the mobilization of the entire nation and public fundraising. You can imagine how huge a financial undertaking it is to build such an object! The money came from various ranks, including the aristocracy, imperial court, townspeople, and the poorest citizens. And that this would not be enough … They have collected the sum twice! After the grand opening in May 1981, some finishing works were still being done, and just then, in August that year, there was a terrible fire which completely destroyed the entire theatre. What a despair – so much effort, work, so much hope and pride turned into ashes! The theatre had to be rebuilt practically entirely. And as it sometimes happens, when facing tragedy people show their best, the Czechs collected the necessary amount again and in only two years later (!), in 1883, the theatre was reopened!
The public collection of funds, as well as the nationwide movement for the creation of a national theatre is commemorated by a magnificent curtain, and by an inscription on it: NÁROD SOBĚ, meaning in Czech: The Nation – to itself. The curtain was made by Vojtěch Hynais with two colleagues.
The opera’s first radio broadcast from this theatre took place on February 12th, 1925. On that day, Bedřich Smetana’s “Two Widows” was broadcast in full length. Although a month earlier, on January 8th, the British radio station BBC also broadcast live opera from the London Covent Garden scene, but then the station only transmitted one act of “The Magic Flute” by W.A. Mozart, therefore we can say that in Prague the first radio transmission of the entire opera in Europe took place.
Performances at the National Theatre are a real feast for the senses. Not only beautiful interiors, but also a perfectly planned repertoire await viewers. You can see both classical and contemporary plays, the offer includes operas, dramas, ballets and concerts in rich, refined arrangements, often in a modern style. I highly recommend you this treat, me personally, I leave the theatre with a deep feeling of katharsis!
Tickets can be bought at the ticket office on site or online at https://www.narodni-divadlo.cz/en/tickets-and-subscriptions (website in Czech and English).
