AN EVENING of colourful national costumes, soloists, chorus, dancers and orchestra, is promised with an English adaptation of the Czech opera The Bartered Bride.
It is set in May Day in a little Czech village preparing to celebrate the holiday with feasting, dancing and a travelling circus.
Spirited Marenka is determined to marry her lover Jenik, but her father is in debt to Micha, and has promised she will marry Micha’s son, the immature and foolish Vasek.
Fortunately, Jenik has a secret of his own, but can he outwit the boastful and ridiculous marriage broker Kecal, and ensure that true love wins in the end?
The opera’s score is full of infectious tunes, from vibrant overture to heart-stopping love duets, rousing drinking songs and the spectacular circus scene, the famous Dance of the Comedians.
The opera is a joyous celebration of Czech culture, told with typical Czech humour, but also sympathy, compassion and joie-de-vivre.
It will be performed at Brakcnell’s South Hill Park from Wednesday, May 25, through to Saturday, May 28.
Tickets cost £18 to £24, with a £1 discount for members, and under 18s enjoying the show for half price.
For more details, call the box office on 01344 484123, or log on to:
www.southhillpark.org.uk/events/the-bartered-bride/
