Vec Makropulos

At the heart of Věc Makropulos is a recipe for a life-prolonging elixir invented by the doctor Hieronymus Makropulos for Emperor Rudolf II. It was tested on the doctor's beautiful daughter, who has now been on earth for 337 years and has had countless affairs over the generations. In the end, however, the seemingly young woman has to realize that an endless life on this side of the world only brings loneliness...

Act 1
In a law firm: the end of the long inheritance process has arrived. The case seems lost for Albert Gregor (the descendant of Ferdinand Gregor). His lawyer, Dr. Kolenatý, arrives together with a mysterious singer, Emilia Marty.

To everyone's astonishment, she knows the background to the inheritance dispute - and refers to a previously unknown will of the baron, which is then found and brought to the court by Dr. Kolenatý accompanied by his opponent Jaroslav Prus. However, Emilia Marty is primarily interested in a Greek document enclosed with the will. Albert Gregor falls in love with Emilia Marty.

Act 2
In an opera house, after a performance Everyone is delighted by Emilia Marty's singing, but her reaction is largely rude and dismissive. She turns to an old man named Hauk-Šendorf, who believes he recognizes a former lover in her. Jaroslav Prus reveals inaccuracies in her will and keeps the Greek document for himself.

Emilia Marty then tries to persuade his son, Janek, who was in love with the young singer Krista, to steal the documents from his father. But Jaroslav Prus prevents this. In order to obtain the document anyway, Emilia Marty promises Jaroslav Prus a night together.

Act 3
In a hotel room: Jaroslav Prus is disappointed by Emilia Marty's coldness after the night in question. Nevertheless, he hands her the Greek document she is looking for. A short time later, news arrives that his son Janek has committed suicide out of love for Emilia Marty. Kolenatý, his assistant Vítek, Jaroslav Prus and Albert Gregor learn the story of her life in conversation with Emilia Marty. The Greek document she was looking for is the 300-year-old recipe that Emilia Marty wants to use to prolong her life once again. But she ultimately changes her mind and decides to die. Krista burns the document.

program

Vec Makropulos
Leos Janáček
Oper in drei Akten

Place

Vienna State Opera – World-Renowned Stage for Opera and Ballet in the Heart of Vienna

The Vienna State Opera is one of the world's leading opera houses and a cultural landmark of Austria. Located prominently in the heart of Vienna, along the famous Ringstrasse, it offers outstanding opera productions featuring international stars and a renowned ballet ensemble.

Since its grand opening in 1869, the Vienna State Opera has been synonymous with musical excellence, artistic perfection, and an extensive repertoire ranging from operatic classics to contemporary works. Each season, it stages more than 300 performances, including world-famous operas such as Mozart’s "The Magic Flute", Verdi’s "La Traviata", and Puccini’s "Tosca".

Alongside its acclaimed opera productions, the Vienna State Opera is also home to the celebrated Vienna State Ballet, renowned for both classical and contemporary dance performances. The annual Vienna Opera Ball is a prestigious social event with international prominence.

Getting There by Public Transport

Subway:

• Lines U1, U2, U4 – Karlsplatz station, direct access

Tram:

• Lines 1, 2, D, 62, 71 – Oper/Karlsplatz stop

Bus:

• Line 59A – Oper stop

Its central location on Vienna’s Ringstrasse ensures convenient and easy access.

Vienna State Opera – A Symbol of Viennese Culture and Musical Excellence

As one of the world's premier opera houses, the Vienna State Opera is an essential destination for opera enthusiasts, music lovers, and visitors seeking to experience the cultural heart of Vienna.