Bohuslav Martinů: The Soldier and The Dancer

A remarkable comic opera by Bohuslav Martinu from the year 1928, written in the style of a jazz revue. Already in his first opera Martinu attempts a new form of opera as a live musical theatre. The libretto elaborates on the text of Plautus’ comedy Sly-fox Pseudolus in the form of a sort of opera revue, combining the classical plot with contemporary elements, including the principle of “theatre within theatre” and “play within play”. The work’s final atmosphere resembles for example the playful poetics of the Liberated theatre (Osvobozené divadlo) plays, using jazz elements, a subtle opera parody and grotesque. It is the first production of this opera in Prague.

Premiere: Dec 15, 2000