Rusalka

In Slavic mythology, a rusalka is a nymph or sprite who dwells in a lake or river. In Antonin Dvorák's soulful fairy-tale opera by the same name, elements from the fairytale The Little Mermaid will be recognized: Rusalka falls in love with a human prince, but must give up the power of speech in order to join him in his earthly kingdom. No Disney-esque ending here; love turns to betrayal and, eventually, death. This performance by the New Orleans Opera will be sung in Czech with English texts projected above the stage. Mahalia Jackson Theater, 1419 Basin Street. 8 pm Friday and 2:30 pm Sunday. neworleansopera.org.