I made one last visit today to the new national theater to see the 5:00 p.m. performance of another children's ballet. Popolvár is a two-act work based on a Slovak fairy tale, incorporating pop music and dance with classical ballet idioms. I continue to be impressed with this company's success at introducing very young audiences to classical ballet, with a mix of athletic moves, fast-paced stories, and lavish production values.
I was surrounded by three generations of families, including very young children, who screamed with delight at the broadly drawn characterizations of Slovak peasants, royalty, banshees, and a dancing chicken who stole the show. I saw some empty seats in the balcony, but not many. My ticket in the second row center of the balcony cost only 100 SKK (about $4.00), with the print program another 40 SKK (about $1.60).
No photos during the performance, of course, but this photo array was in the lobby. 
Throughout the lobby, understated Christmas trees were still on display - very classy, highlighted against the marble floors and walls everywhere in this beautiful theater. 
Before the performance, I noticed another installation that seemed like a sculptural work of art itself, but without any attribution. This is on the first landing leading up to one of the lobby cafes open before the performance and at intermission, just visible in the background. That orange costume in the top right corner is from a display of historic costumes from the opera and ballet. For more information on the ballet: http://www.snd.sk/?ballet&predstavenie=popolvar
NOTE: Click on any image in this blog to see it full-size.
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