National Theatre (Prague) facts for kids
| Národní divadlo | |
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| Address | Národní 223/2 |
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| Location | Prague, Czech Republic |
| Coordinates | 50°4′52″N 14°24′48″E / 50.08111°N 14.41333°E |
| Owner | Ministry of Culture |
| Capacity | 986 |
| Construction | |
| Opened | 11 June 1881 |
| Reopened | 18 November 1883 |
| Rebuilt | 1977–1983 |
| Architect | Jakub Klusák, Jan Muchna |
The National Theatre (called Národní divadlo in Czech) is a famous old opera house in Prague, Czech Republic. It's known as the birthplace of Czech opera and a national symbol of Czech history and art.
It's one of the most important cultural places in the Czech Republic. It has a long history of art that helped keep the Czech language and Czech ways of thinking about music and plays alive.
Today, the National Theatre has three main groups: opera singers, ballet dancers, and actors. They perform in the old National Theatre building, the State Opera, the Estates Theatre, and the Kolowrat Theatre. They perform both classic and new shows.
Contents
Building the National Theatre: The Early Years (1844-1881)
The idea for the National Theatre started in 1844. Czech patriots in Prague wanted their own theatre. In 1845, they asked for permission to build one.
Six years later, in 1851, a group called the "Society for the Establishment of a Czech National Theatre" asked the public for donations. The money helped them buy land in 1852. This land was a former salt works by the Vltava river. It offered a great view of Prague Castle, but its unusual shape made designing the building tricky.
During a time of strict government rule, plans for a grand theatre were put on hold. Instead, a smaller, temporary building was built. This "Provisional Theatre" opened on 18 November 1862. The famous opera The Bartered Bride had its first show there in 1866. This temporary building later became part of the final National Theatre. You can still see its outer walls today.
While the temporary theatre was being built, young, forward-thinking people wanted to build the original grand theatre. In 1865, they hired Josef Zítek, a 33-year-old professor, to design it. He won a competition, and construction began in 1867.
The first foundation stone was laid on 16 May 1868. By 1875, the building reached its full height, and by 1877, it had a roof. Starting in 1873, there was a competition to decorate the inside. The art was inspired by the Neo-Renaissance style and by old Czech stories and myths. This art style is now known as the "art of the National Theatre generation."
The theatre has many sculptures. These include a "triga" (a chariot pulled by three horses) and 10 outdoor statues by Bohuslav Schnirch. There are also 10 more outdoor pieces by Antonín Pavel Wagner.
Grand Opening and a Fire
The National Theatre first opened on 11 June 1881. This was to honor a visit from Crown Prince Rudolf of Austria. The opera Libuše by Bedřich Smetana was performed for the very first time. After 11 more shows, the theatre closed for final touches.
However, on 12 August 1881, a fire broke out. It destroyed the copper dome, the audience area, and the stage. This fire was a huge disaster for the nation. But people quickly came together to help. Within 47 days, they collected a million florins (an old currency).
After the fire, architect Josef Zítek was no longer involved. His student, Josef Schulz, took over the reconstruction. He decided to expand the theatre by including a nearby apartment building. He also slightly changed the audience area to improve views. Schulz carefully matched Zítek's original style. He managed to combine three different buildings into one beautiful, unified theatre.
Reopening and Later Changes (1883-1977)
Artists Mikoláš Aleš and František Ženíšek created the new interior artwork. The National Theatre officially reopened on 18 November 1883. The building had modern features like electric lights and a steel stage. It stayed mostly the same for nearly 100 years.
On 1 April 1977, the theatre closed again for six years. This was after a performance of Lantern by Jirásek.
Modern Reconstruction (1977-1983)
Architect Zdeněk Vávra led a major reconstruction project. This work also included improving the area around the theatre. The project finished just in time for the theatre's 100th anniversary. On 18 November 1983, the theatre reopened with Smetana’s Libuše once more.
The historic building now has a modern section with offices and the main ticket office. Today, it serves as the main stage for the National Theatre's three groups: drama, opera, and ballet.
In 1989, the theatre's director, Jiří Pauer, was removed from his job. This happened because he supported the old Communist government. He even locked out staff to stop them from protesting. After a three-week strike, Ivo Žídek became the new director.
How the Theatre is Managed
At first, a private group of people supported the National Theatre. They had a director who managed things for them. Sometimes, they faced money problems because they didn't get enough government help. But this didn't stop the theatre from growing and becoming important.
In 1900, the government decided not to renew the contract with this private group. People were not happy with the artistic quality. So, a new "National Theatre Company" took over. The old group was seen as traditional, while the new company was open to fresh ideas.
The composer Karel Kovařovic became the opera director. He improved the orchestra, chorus, and solo singers. He also brought in famous singers like Karel Burian. After Kovařovic passed away in 1920, Otakar Ostrčil took over. He continued to bring new and exciting performances to the stage.
Today, the National Theatre is led by a director and advised by the Council of the National Theatre. This council has 11 to 13 members.
In 2019, there were some protests by artists and staff at the National Theatre and State Opera. They complained about how a new Artistic Director was chosen.
Komerční banka Award
Since 2005, Komerční banka has given awards to the best performances at the Czech National Theatre. These awards are given in three areas: ballet, drama, and opera.
The winners of the KOBANADI Award (which combines "Komerční Banka" and "Národní Divadlo") receive a special statue. They also get 100,000 Czech koruna (about €4,000). The first award ceremony was held on 26 October 2006.
See also
In Spanish: Teatro Nacional (Praga) para niños
- National Theatre Ballet (Prague)
