Il Boemo

A biopic of Josef Mysliveček, one of the most prolific opera composers in 18th century Italy, who was admired by Mozart and forgotten by history.

It’s 1764 and a charismatic Czech musician arrives in Venice to fulfil his dream of becoming an opera composer. His fortune changes along with his unpronounceable name when he forms a liaison with a libertine marquise who introduces him to a hedonistic existence and high society. 

As Il Boemo he is commissioned to write an opera for the San Carlo, Europe’s largest theatre and soon becomes one of the biggest stars of the Italian opera, working closely with legendarily volatile opera diva La Gabrielli, writing an opera for the King of Naples and inspiring and befriending Mozart.

Emphasising personal relationships, director Petr Václav, who has meticulously researched the composer, uses flashbacks to tell Mysliveček’s extraordinary story from his ascent to glory to his death in poverty ravaged by syphilis.

The screening will be followed by Q&A with actor Vojtěch Dyk and director Petr Václav.

see booking link below

Part of the 27th Made in Prague Festival. For full programme details see 27th Made in Prague Festival / Czech Centre London (czechcentres.cz)