When in Prague, be sure to treat yourself to a performance at the Nova Scena theater and see Laterna Magika (Magic Lantern), a mix of multimedia, mime and music. This dazzling show has been a crowd-puller ever since its first performance at the 1958 Brussels World Fair. Today, the wow-effect has lessened for the spoiled 21st-century spectator - still the imaginative blend of dance, mime, music and film appeals to their senses.
Nova Scena, Prague — Photo courtesy of Marianne crone
The Laterna Magika show is simply perfect for an international audience of both adults and children because the stories are told visually; not a single word is spoken. The latest show on the repertoire is Prague, City of Tales and Legends. The performance brings to life well-known stories such as The legend of Dr Faust, whose house still stands on Karlovo namesti, Charles Square, until this day.
Another story is the Mysterious Bridegroom. A Jewish merchant's daughter refuses the bridegroom selected for her. Led by love, she walks into the Vltava River and returns over the rooftops in the shape of a green cat. Other stories that are included are The Legend of Rabbi Low and the Golem and the history of the Astronomical Clock whose clockmaker was blinded so that no other city than Prague would have such a masterpiece.
Nova Scena Futuristic Facade — Photo courtesy of Daquella Manera
Laterna Magika's home is Nova Scena, an impressive futuristic glass building, a stark contrast to The Narodni Divadlo (the National Theater) and the Baroque buildings in Narodni Street. This communist showpiece was built during 1977 and 1981. The interior is fitted with marble floors and every seat is upholstered in leather. The old atmosphere still lingers.
Book your seats for Laterna Magika at the box office of the theater. Avoid going to one of the theater agencies as their prices include commission.
