Opera based on Hans Christen Andersen-esque fairytale
LW OPERA CLUB
All are welcome to watch a free screening of Antonin Dvorak’s “Rusalka” on Tuesday, Nov. 19, at 1:30 p.m. in the Clubhouse 3 Learning Center.
The mysterious story of a water nymph had been making its rounds for many years before 1900—as a fairytale by Hans Christian Andersen and many other writers—before it was drafted by the Czech librettist Jaroslav Kvapil and sent to composer Antonin Dvorak who turned it into the opera “Rusalka.” This heart-wrenching tale of unrequited love will be introduced by knowledgeable club member Robert Kastanek.
In Act 1, viewers find the beautiful Rusalka, a water nymph, confessing to Vodnik, a fellow gnome, of her love for a human Prince who swims in their shared lake. She also wonders about the mystery of the human soul and says she yearns to become human.
To this, Vodnik responds she must tell all this to Jezibaba, the water witch who possesses magical powers. On hearing this, Jezibaba grants her wish except for human speaking and says that if she does not find love, she will be rejected from her home and friends in the lake. When the Prince arrives he sees Rusalka and takes her back to his castle.
In Act 2, the Prince is preparing for his wedding to Rusalka despite her inability to speak and her somewhat nymph-like coldness. However the arrival of a foreign Princess catches his attention and when Rusalka intervenes, she is pushed away by the Prince.
In Act 3, Rusalka is bemoaning her fate, when Jezibaba appears to say he will restore her life in the lake if she takes revenge and murders the Prince. Rusalka refuses. As the Prince arrives, he understands the loss of his love. Rusalka prays for his soul and accepts her fate.
The production is in Czech with English subtitles. People are encouraged to wear masks indoors. No dues or fees are collected.
For more information, contact Margaret Gillon at 562-370-3844 or email Margaretgi@yahoo.com.
—Sylvan Von Burg
Antonin Dvorak's "Rusalka" will be screened in the Learning Center.
