Rusalka by Dvořák at the Bastille Opera: the lyrical fairy tale inspired by The Little Mermaid makes its return to Paris

A lyrical tale of impossible love and transformation... In Paris, the Opéra national de Paris presents Rusalka by Antonín Dvořák, a three-act opera inspired by aquatic myths (including The Little Mermaid). The production will be staged at Opéra Bastille from May 2 to 20, 2026. Premiered in Prague in 1901, this opera ranks among the Czech composer’s greatest works and remains one of the most frequently performed pieces on the world's leading stages today.

The story revolves around Rusalka, a water nymph born from a lake who longs to leave her supernatural origins behind to become human, driven by love for a prince. To achieve her goal, she seeks the help of a witch, who agrees but warns her of the irreversible consequences of her decision. The pact requires Rusalka to give up her voice, and any heartbreak or disillusionment would condemn her to eternal damnation.

An opera that weaves magic and tragedy

Often compared to The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Andersen, Rusalka weaves a tale where the enchanting and the inevitable intertwine. Dvořák crafts a rich, detailed orchestral score that highlights aquatic and nocturnal atmospheres. The music features recurring motifs that mirror the psychological development of the characters and emphasize the tension between two irreconcilable worlds.

The music of Rusalka is characterized by a rich, nuanced orchestration, crafted to evoke nature, water, and lunar cycles. This balance between lyrical beauty and understated elegance helps create a perpetual dreamlike atmosphere, seamlessly woven into the storytelling without disrupting its dramatic flow.

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Robert Carsen’s Direction at the Bastille Opera

For this production at the Opéra Bastille, the staging is entrusted to Robert Carsen. The director offers a visually striking interpretation built around themes of symmetry, reflections, and doubles, echoing the motifs of water and the blurred line between dreams and reality. This approach aims to highlight the symbolic power of the story and the repercussions of disrupting the natural order.

With Rusalka, the Opera Bastille offers a fresh opportunity to (re)discover one of the most frequently performed operas by Antonín Dvořák. Blending fairy-tale fantasy with lyrical drama, this work remains a significant fixture in the international repertoire. It appeals equally to fans of romantic opera and to new audiences eager to explore a classic from the early 20th century.

Trailer for Rusalka at the Bastille Opera:

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