THE NATIONAL THEATER

In the past, the National Theater was always subconsciously regarded as a focal point of Nation's endeavors and the leading representative scene of the country. The National Theater has run, since its very beginning, three ensembles; the drama, opera, and ballet troupes. Its repertoire involves all basic works, both domestic and international.

THE STATE OPERA

Here, in the former German Theater, there originally used to be performed mainly German operas and operettas. The theater suffered heavily under the bomb raid on Prague in 1945, but it was quickly repaired at great expense.

THE ESTATES THEATER

The Estates Theater has had a moved past. Many outstanding actors have performed on its stage; J.K. Tyl, the pioneer of Czech theater and author of the lyrics to Czech national anthem, worked here as dramatist. The theater became renowned for its performances of Mozart's operas. Carl Maria von Weber was the theater conductor in the period 1813-1816. The world premiere of Mozart's opera Don Giovanni took place here in 1787.

LATERNA MAGICA

This kind of show was one of the main attractions at the EXPO'58 - the World Exhibition in Brussels in 1958 and aroused great interest at the EXPO'67 in Montreal as well. The Laterna Magica performances are based on a polyphonic use of several types of performance combined - live actors including pantomime, music, and various kinds of film art.

THE BLACK THEATER

The use of light effects on dark stage is on the verge of vaudeville but this show has succeeded in defining its own artistic profile.

CLASSICAL MUSIC

There are attractive concerts of classical music in traditional concert halls, Prague palaces, churches and gardens taking place all the year round.