Critics react to Rusalka
Friday, 27 March, 2026
Rusalka is at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre from 22 - 28 March 2026.
“excellent cast with a thought-provoking staging” - The Irish Times - Michael Dungan ★★★★
“soprano Jennifer Davis presents a beautifully understated embodiment of a very wide emotional range, her voice so tender – even before the famous Song to the Moon – in her opening exchanges with her father, but also so powerful as her plight unfolds” - The Irish Times - Michael Dungan ★★★★
“She is nicely matched by the clear, bright tenor of Ryan Capozzo, as the handsome young prince, who also traverses many emotions and who, conveniently, looks very young and handsome” - The Irish Times - Michael Dungan ★★★★
“The witch Jezibaba (...) is sung with sprightly cynicism by the mezzo-soprano Michelle DeYoung” - The Irish Times - Michael Dungan ★★★★
“The choreographer Jessica Kennedy and the INO chorus score a special triumph with the grotesque formality and symbolism of their dance in the palace” - The Irish Times - Michael Dungan ★★★★
“Dvorak’s score (...) receives a sure-handed delivery from the conductor Fergus Sheil” - The Irish Times - Michael Dungan ★★★★
Read the full review from The Irish Times here.
“There’s been a lot of talk about opera’s struggles for relevance, and audiences, lately, in the wake of a certain Oscar-nominee’s views. But few could fail to be impressed by this sumptuous production, which is a parade of visual treats, gorgeous music, and great singing.” - Irish Examiner - Alan O'Riordan ★★★★
“Jennifer Davis shines in hugely-enjoyable production of Rusalka” - Irish Examiner - Alan O'Riordan ★★★★
“In director Netia Jones’s hands, the fairytale world gets a modern, industrial reimagining” - Irish Examiner - Alan O'Riordan ★★★★
Read the full review from The Irish Examiner here.
“INO have raised their game this season with the sophistication of their sets and, in Rusalka, the quality of the visual projections” - The Journal of Music - Adrian Smith
“Davis is undoubtedly a superb talent and the warm musicality of her voice beautifully captured the otherworldliness of her character.” - The Journal of Music - Adrian Smith
“American tenor Ryan Capozzo was excellent as the wayward but ultimately redeemed Prince, and his voice has a very pleasant tone” - The Journal of Music - Adrian Smith
“Michelle DeYoung was magnificent as Ježibaba and her powerful mezzo voice and swaggering stage persona radiated a sinister energy.” - The Journal of Music - Adrian Smith
“well cast was soprano Giselle Allen as the wily Foreign Princess, whose more edgy vocal timbre made for a contrast to the innocent purity of Davis’ Rusalka” - The Journal of Music - Adrian Smith
“The biggest voice on stage belonged to bass Ante Jerkunica as Vodník, Rusalka’s father, who was so well cast as a plumber that he could have easily walked in from a nearby building site” - The Journal of Music - Adrian Smith
“Jessica Kennedy’s choreography (...) was majestic, as was the decision to complement the trio of wood nymphs (wonderfully sung by Rachel Croash, Sarah Richmond and Alexandra Urquiola) with a sextet of aerialists who climbed and swung from the piping in the outer acts.” - The Journal of Music - Adrian Smith
Read the full review from The Journal of Music here.
“Davis absolutely sensational, shaping Rusalka’s emotional landscape with a crowing performance” - The Arts Review - Chris O'Rourke ★★★★
“Offset by tenor Ryan Capozzo whose timbre, tone and swaggering good looks provide all the handsome prince you can handle” - The Arts Review - Chris O'Rourke ★★★★
“Conductor Fergus Sheil’s uplifting baton relishing every note” - The Arts Review - Chris O'Rourke ★★★★
“Sopranos Giselle Allen (Foreign Princess) Rachel Croash (first wood nymph), along with mezzo-sopranos Alexandra Urquiola (third wood nymph), Michelle DeYoung (a ruthlessly brilliant Ježibaba), and Sarah Richmond (kitchen boy and second wood nymph) equally superb” - The Arts Review - Chris O'Rourke ★★★★
“Richmond seizing her moment and shining, along with baritones Andrew Masterson (Hunstman) and Benjamin Russell (Gamekeeper).” - The Arts Review - Chris O'Rourke ★★★★
Read the full review from The Arts Review here.
Read the full review from the Irish Independent here.
“a provocative and insightful production from Netia Jones featuring first class singing and playing from the performers” - Seen and Heard International - Robert Beattie
“Some of the most impressive singing of the evening came from Croatian bass, Ante Jerkunica as the Water Sprite. His powerful voice effortlessly filled the theatre as he signalled evil omens ahead, and he lamented the loss of his daughter to the mortal world.” - Seen and Heard International - Robert Beattie
“Ryan Capozzo was impressive in the role of the Prince” - Seen and Heard International - Robert Beattie
Read the full review from Seen and Heard International here.
“The staging of this production is outstanding and reflects the adaptation of opera to the possibilities of modern multimedia forms, all wrapped in Dvořák’s great score.” - No More Workhorse - G. O’Byrne
“Jennifer Davis was superb in the title role of Rusalka, her voice capable of both tenderness and power,” - No More Workhorse - G. O’Byrne
“Ante Jerkunica as Vodnik was also excellent as Rusalka’s grief-stricken father.” - No More Workhorse - G. O’Byrne
Read the full review from No More Workhorse here.