- Address: Žatecká 98/1, 110 00 Staré Město, Czech Republic
- Phone: +420 224 819 322
- Date of foundation: June 1, 1991
The real national treasure of the Czech Republic are puppets, which are controlled with the help of ropes. Local residents are so fond of them that they even built a puppet theater in Prague (Národní Divadlo Marionet or National Marionette Theater), which is visited by about 45 thousand people from all over the world.
Description
The official opening of the theater took place on June 1 in 1991. It was a grand show, which was attended by several hundred people. This institution was part of the cultural system Via Praga (Via Praga), which operated under the patronage of the Prague institution Říše loutek (Kingdom of Puppets).
The structure was erected in the Art Deco style, above its entrance is a unique sculpture - characters from local myths. The puppet theater in Prague dates back to the 16th century, when similar performances were held with the family, and the tradition of creating puppets was passed from father to son.
Performances
The main actors in the theater are huge dolls made by hand from wood. On the stage they are run by experienced puppeteers, in whose hands toys seem to come to life. A few minutes after the performance began, the audience stopped noticing people and watching only puppets.
The growth of puppets averages 1.5 - 1.7 m. Puppets are dressed in luxurious costumes created at the end of the 20th century. Some copies are real masterpieces and are of particular interest to the public.
Since the foundation of the puppet theater in Prague, about 20 performances have been staged there. These are traditional representations, which are enjoyed with pleasure by both children and adults. Spectators will see tragedies and comedies, dramas and love, as well as make an exciting journey into the past, where they will hear the magic melodies of Mozart, recreating the atmosphere of the old era.
Popular plays
The most famous performances at the Puppet Theater in Prague are:
- Don Juan is the most popular performance, representing a real opera, which has been performed more than 2500 times. Dolls, dressed in costumes of the XVIII century, walk the streets of Seville, sing in Italian and show real passions. The director is Karel Brozek, the play lasts 2 hours. The locals say that if you did not see the Don Juan, you were not in Prague.
- The magic flute is a great work, written by Mozart, also enjoys great popularity. The premiere of the opera took place in 2006 for the 250th anniversary of the Austrian composer. The play was staged over 300 times.
Museum of puppets
The building of the Puppet Theater in Prague is equipped with a unique museum . Here you can see old wooden dolls made by local craftsmen in the 17th century. The most famous of them are the puppets of Hurwynek and Spable. They were created by an artisan named Yosef Miser.
The institution stores authentic specimens that have served their time, but, nevertheless, still cause great interest among the guests. For example, here is a small stage, equipped with antique technical equipment.
Features of visit
The average ticket price is $ 25-30, the price depends on the presentation. Performances start at 20:00. Buy tickets can be on the day of the performance, but it is advisable not to leave it at the last minute, as the halls in the theater are small, and you may not have enough space. The ticket office is open from 10:00 to 20:00.
How to get there?
The puppet theater is located in the old part of Prague , which is sure to be visited by tourists during the sightseeing tour . You can reach it by tram nos. 93, 18, 17 and 2 or by metro. The stop is called Staromestská. From the center of the capital you will take a walk along the streets of Italská, Wilsonova or Žitná. The distance is about 4 km.