OPERA // Malfunction on the Nautilus

An original chamber opera for multiple generations, loosely inspired by Jules Verne’s novel 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, was premiered on July 13, 2024, as part of the Znojmo Music Festival. The work by composer and librettist Lukáš Hurník presents an original story of Captain Nemo and the crew of the submarine Nautilus, embarking on a research mission into the depths of the Pacific Ocean, where a mysterious, unidentified object has been spotted. The plot, full of adventure and humor, begins with a quirky situation involving the late arrival of Salma, a swimming instructor, and her pet, Mantík the octopus.

The production was directed by young director Eliška Mervartová, who brought a modern approach to staging operas for both children and adults. The premiere featured the JAMU orchestra conducted by Patrik Červák and performances by soloists Denis Zjatik, Bedřiška Ponížilová, Anna Zedníčková, Simeon Hána, František Sliž, Klára Gregorová, and Kateřina Ludvíková. Additional performances took place on July 14 and 16, 2024.