Smetana’s Dalibor is much more than just a romantic tragedy with beautiful music based on the medieval tale of the Knight Dalibor of Kozojedy, who learned to play the violin in prison, which was first heard on the occasion of the laying of the foundation stone of the National Theatre. This drama about the desire for revenge, amorous passion and political intrigue is an extraordinary work to which it is not easy to find the key. British director David Pountney is one of the great admirers and promoters of Czech opera.
