The Estates Theatre — Attraction in Prague

The lime-green and white Estates theatre (Stavovské Divadlo) is one of the finest examples of Neoclassical elegance in Prague. It was built in 1783 by Count Nostitz Rieneck for Prague’s influential German community. It is something of a mecca for Mozart aficionados since on 29 October 1787, it hosted the world premiere of Don Giovanni (a hooded bronze statue of Il Commendatore flanks the main entrance on the left), with Mozart himself conducting from the piano. The opera was an instant hit with Prague audiences despite flopping everywhere else in Europe. Due to his love affair with Prague, Mozart also chose to premier La Clemenza di Tito at the Estates theatre in 1791. Recognizing Mozart’s strong connection with the theatre, Czech director Miloš Forman made use of its interior in his famous Oscar-winning film Amadeus. The gold and blue auditorium of the theatre looks like a chocolate box and can only be seen when attending a performance inside. The Estates theatre occupies a special place in Czech history, for it was here that the Czech national anthem, “Kde domov můj?” (Where Is My Home?), was first performed, as part of the comedy Fidlovačka,...

I saw Don Giovanni here during the annual August run of the opera. The inside of the theatre is beautiful, and I enjoyed the performance. The set was impressive in the way it continued the design of the theatre boxes, lights, etc. I bought a ticket in the middle of row 7, which was a good position to see the stage and the subtitles. I couldn't see into the pit, so if you want to, perhaps a seat in one of the boxes would be better for you. The woman at the box office told me the chairs on the floor are more comfortable than the ones in the boxes, but couldn't explain the difference. Not having tried the boxes, I cannot say if she is right. In looking up the opera here, I have seen some comments about appropriate dress for men. I am travelling with just a carry-on size bag, so I don't have a suit or jacket, which I would have liked to wear. The woman at the box office assured me that I would be fine with the trousers I have (no jeans), shoes, and a dress shirt. I saw people entering who were dressed worse than me, but almost everyone I saw at the opera was wearing something similar or better (suits...

The photos of the theater speak for themselves so there is no need to comment on its aesthetics. I will focus on the opera we watched (Magic Flute - W.A.Mozart). The previous years we've watched the same Opera in Zurich and Vienna but this was by far richer and more elaborate production compared to the previous two of course. So the quality is really really high. The nodding between the director and first cello after the queen's aria was indicative of their appreciation of the performance. There is a spatial limitation due to the width of the stage that impacts the size of the orchestra resulting in fewer instruments and the total absence of drums. To be fair though, the acoustics of the theater is breathtaking rendering any complaint mute. I do have to mention the beautiful people working in all the areas of the theater elevating the experience over all. Almost all speak excellent English and they assist you with...