Czech Opera Double Bill - Dvořák’s Tvrdé Palice and Blodek’s V Studni
March 29, 2026, 3PM - Christ Church Deer Park
Village operas are the heart of the Czech opera tradition, and these two one-act gems showcase the genre at its best. Tvrdé Palice, The Stubborn Lovers, tells the story of two young lovers, Lenka and Toník, who are reluctant to admit their affection for each other, much to the chagrin of their parents. However, their scheming godfather, Řeřicha, has a cunning plan to resolve the situation. In V Studni, In The Well, Lenka follows an old folk prophecy that she will see the identity of her true bridegroom reflected in the water of a well. Will she see the face of her beloved, Vojtech, or her mother’s proposed suitor, the wealthy old man, Janek. The cast features perennial CICM favourites such as John Holland, Grace Quinsey, David Walsh, Catharin Carew, and others.
Dvořák’s Tvrdé Palice:
Lenka, a young woman - Grace Quinsey
Toník, a young man - David Walsh
Řeřicha, their Godfather - John Holland
Říhová, Toník's mother - Catharin Carew
Vávra, Lenka's father - Austin Larusson
Blodek’s V Studni:
Lidunka, a peasant girl - Thera Barclay
Vojtech, a peasant son (Lidunka's love) - Alexander Cappellazzo
Janek, a peasant, an old widower (a suitor for Lidunka) - John Holland
Veruna, an old mystic woman - Alexandra Beley
Pianist - Vlad Soloviev
Dvořák’s Tvrdé Palice:
Lenka, a young woman - Grace Quinsey
Toník, a young man - David Walsh
Řeřicha, their Godfather - John Holland
Říhová, Toník's mother - Catharin Carew
Vávra, Lenka's father - Austin Larusson
Blodek’s V Studni:
Lidunka, a peasant girl - Thera Barclay
Vojtech, a peasant son (Lidunka's love) - Alexander Cappellazzo
Janek, a peasant, an old widower (a suitor for Lidunka) - John Holland
Veruna, an old mystic woman - Alexandra Beley
Pianist - Vlad Soloviev