Rusalka

Pop culture is flooded with mermaids and sirens, and the sometimes overlooked rusalka is underrated. Based on Slavic tradition, a rusalka or a rusalki is a water nymph. Antonin Dvořák's opera is emotionally charged and deeply evocative, bringing the sorrow and romance of these ethereal creatures to the forefront. Rusalka is one of the most successful Czech operas of all time, and the only one of his ten operas that is consistently performed outside Dvořák's home country to this day. Renée Mulder's imaginative costumes and Charles Davis's innovative set design create a vivid, breathtaking experience that complements Dvořák's lush score.

The Story

Rusalka falls deeply in love with a human prince who often visits the lake where she dwells. Desperate to live in his world and experience his love, she seeks the help of the witch Ježibaba. Ježibaba grants Rusalka a human form, but at a great cost: she loses her voice. She and the prince will face eternal damnation if her love fails. Reminiscent of The Little Mermaid, this opera is a dark fairytale about love, yearning, and what it means to be human. Will Rusalka navigate these murky waters of fate, or will the stakes prove too high? Book your tickets to find out!

Show Timings

Show timings for Rusalka may vary every week. You can check the show timings for your preferred date at the next stage of booking.

Cast & Crew

• Leading roles: Nicole Car as Rusalka, Gerard Schneider as The Prince, Warwick Fyfe as The Water King, Natalie Aroyan as The Duchess, Ashlyn Tymms as Ježibaba, Andrew Moran as Gamekeeper, Sian Sharp as Kitchen-Boy, Malcolm Ede as Huntsman, and Fiona Jopson, Jennifer Bonner, and Helen Sherman as wood sprites
• Conductor: Johannes Fritzsch
• Director: Sarah Giles
• Set designer: Charles Davis
• Costume designer: Renée Mulder
• Lighting designer: Paul Jackson
• Video designer & content creator: David Bergman
• Movement director & intimacy coordinator: Dr Lyndall Grant
• Orchestra: Opera Australia
• Chorus: Opera Australia

Best known for the achingly beautiful Song to the Moon, Dvořák’s score flows with romantic lyricism, sweeping orchestration, and a haunting undercurrent of Slavic folk influence.

• Children under 15 years must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
• Please keep in mind that the theater does not have an age classification organization. This means that all age recommendations are subjective. Please use your judgment while purchasing tickets for any show.

Tickets Redemption

• You’ll get an instant email confirmation right after you book your tickets.
• Enjoy a hassle-free entrance to the venue by showing your mobile ticket and a valid photo ID – no printout necessary!

Cancellation & Refunds

• Tickets cannot be refunded, amended, or rescheduled.

• Address: Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia.
• Bus: The nearest bus stop is Circular Quay, Young St, Stand D, a 9-min walk from from the venue. Audiences can also take the wheelchair-accessible Sydney Opera House Courtesy bus which operates between Circular Quay and the western foyer of the Sydney Opera House.
• Lightrail: The nearest ligtrail is at Circular Quay Station which is around 950 metres from the Joan Sutherland Theatre. Take the free Courtesy bus to reach the venue from here.
• Train: The nearest train station is the Circular Quay station, a 10-min walk away and the Courtesy bus can help audiences reach the theatre for free from the station.
• Ferry: The closest ferry is at Circular Quay, Wharf 4, which is around a 10-minute walk away from the venue.

Available facilities: elevator, cloakroom, escalator, bars, washrooms and accessible toilets

Accessibility: English surtitles above the stage, accessible passageway, wheelchair-accessible, hearing loops, courtesy wheelchairs

• Security: To ensure your comfort and security, you might encounter a few security checks when you arrive at the venue.
• Dress code: Smart casual or semi-formal attire is the way to go.
• Outside food: While outside food isn't usually allowed, many theaters have cafes or restaurants nearby for you to check out before or after the show.