Дворжак: Русалка Опера Айовы 2018, Dvorzak : Rusalka Opera Iowa 2018

Synopsis ACT I Rusalka, a water nymph, wants to become human so that she can earn the love of the prince. She invokes the help of the witch Ježibaba, who agrees to help her on two conditions: first, Rusalka must remain silent, never uttering a word to the prince; and second, he must always remain true. If either of these promises is broken they will both be damned. The water goblin Vodník warns her against the pact, but Rusalka is determined, and when she and the prince see each other, they fall instantly in love. ACT II At the princes court, the mute Rusalka is plotted against by the evil foreign princess, who convinces the prince to reject her. ACT III Rusalka is despondent, broken by the princes rejection and damned by the witchs curse. The repentant prince returns to Rusalka. She explains her silence and tells him she can be released by a single embrace, but that it would cost him his life. He urges her to free them both and they kiss; the prince dies and Rusalka returns to the water.