Rusalka, A Mermaid's Tale

2010

Music by Antonín Dvořák
Libretto by Jaroslav Kvapil
Musical adaptation and direction by Jeffrey Sykes
Libretto adaptation and stage direction
by Diane Garton Edie

OFY unites Dvorak's lush music with the touching tale of a young mermaid in its original adaptation of Rusalka. In OFY’s English adaptation, the story has moved from forest glen to coral reef, Rusalka yearns to become human because she's in love with the Prince. Rusalka's father, the Sea King, warns her about people, but the mermaid goes to Jezibaba, the sea witch, for a magic spell. Rusalka exchanges her fish tail for legs at a price: she won't be understood by humans. This proves to be a challenging barrier for the Prince who, after bringing Rusalka to his castle, is pursued by a Foreign Princess. Complications abound, aided and untangled by Creatures of the Reef. Understanding and accepting difference is a powerful subject highlighted in this tale of magical romance, loss, and the redemptive power of love.

Sixteen students from each school perform on stage as the Creatures of the Reef.

FOR RENTAL INFORMATION, contact Dan Plummer, General Director, at dplummer@operafortheyoung.org


Copyright 2010 Opera for the Young

Last Updated: Septermber 3, 2011