Slovak Theatre & Russian Ballet

This morning, we went to the Slovak National Theatre to meet a guy that works with Brian.  It was an open house day and the man that works with Brian has a son (Mate, 11 years old) that is in a play - so we got to see his stage, his dressing room, etc.  The whole building is new and very nice.

This is the stage that his play will be on.  There are several in the building.  They had people from the play performing small songs, skits, etc.  Then they let people walk back-stage to see how it all works.

Before they let everyone backstage though, we got to go back by ourselves, and the kids got to jump on some trampolines that are used in the play.  The three kids with Owen and Hayden are all in the play.  If you look closely, you'll be able to see Mate climbing the tree (he's wearing green and is climbing up the back).  The three kids get to do several different costume changes and have one whole dressing room to themselves.  The dressing rooms were complete with shower room, bathroom, and mirrors - very spacious and nice.

We then went to see a man reading fairy tales.  While he read, an artist painted in a tray of sand which was projected up for all to see.  We couldn't understand the words, but it was still very nice to be included in this neat Slovak tradition.



After letting the boys get their pictures taken in the large polar bear (above), we all went across the street to the Eurovea mall and had lunch together at the food court.  It was so nice of them to include us in their day!  I just wish Hayden hadn't misbehaved all the way through lunch!!

The next activity for the afternoon was to see the Russian Ballet perform The Nutcracker.  After leaving the nice Slovak Theatre, we drove up to the old Istropolis Building.  This used to be a very large theatre. It still has a theatre in it, but is now used as a cinema too and also has businesses all around it in the building.  Some of the Slovak moms at school have said that the Russian Ballet is playing there as a statement - this building was built during the reign of communism.  Very interesting....I tend to agree with them after seeing the facility - especially after seeing the wonderful new Slovak National Theatre.

We went in and found our seats.   They actually didn't sell very many tickets - there were a lot of seats open.  But, it was a matinee at 2:00 pm.  The set wasn't as good as I imagined it would be either.  I am guessing it is because this show is only seasonal, because we've heard that their other performances of Swan Lake, etc. were phenomenal.  Anyway - I'm not complaining - we only paid 14 euro each and got to see the Real Russian Ballet in an Old Communist Building in Eastern Europe.  And, the boys can grow up and appreciate it later.  :)

Since I wasn't sure about intermission or anything else really, we bought a program.  It was all written in German!  (Not sure if that was another statement or just cost savings...)  And, I hadn't brought in any food, but they were selling food and drinks there - so we also bought two sodas to share during the performance.  I did actually need a bit of caffeine...  They also never checked for cameras, etc - so we've even got some video of the show during the scene with the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies.  I'll load it on Facebook for everyone.

Pictures:  http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=256649&id=518481164&l=a4c50d982b