The Adventures of Mr Broucek

Synopsis

The beer-fuelled Mr Broucek's adventures take him through space and time: first to the moon and then to the middle of the revolution in 15th century Prague. By turns funny, surreal, tender and thrilling, the opera is full of wonderful portraits and parodies - of Janacek's homeland.

Our Review:

13 November 2009

Matej Broucek is a popular figure in Czech literature. It is surprising that the everyman character seems to represent the worse features of humanity. Broucek (the name translates as ‘ Beetle’) has few concerns than filling his belly, is contemptuous of artistic efforts and is a coward and possible traitor. His role in the opera seems to be to encourage the audience to condemn such characteristics but this can make depressing viewing. It is remarkable that John Graham-Hall, as the eponymous hero, is able to generate a degree of sympathy for the character as well as giving a fine vocal performance.

In an effort to inspire jealousy Malinka (Anne Sophie Duprels) flirts with heavy drinker Matej Broucek. He has little time for her artistic lover Mazal (Jeffrey Lloyd Roberts) and, the worse for drink, wishes he could escape all his neighbours by travelling to the moon. Although he apparently achieves his wish Broucek is horrified to find that he has even less in co...

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