I wanted to take some photos in Prague that captured some life behind a national monument. The best monument in Prague for me is Národní Divadlo, the National Theatre of Prague. Národní Divadlo is one of Prague's most recognizable landmarks. It has a rich artistic tradition created and kept alive by the various personalities of Czech cultural life. Národní Divadlo stages opera, ballet and drama. I remember the first time I went to see an opera at this theatre. The hall has some of the best acoustics that I have ever heard.
I wanted to explore a bit more. Through the help of a fellow New Yorker named Bill Love, I was introduced to the Czech ballet dancer and opera singer Jaroslav kantor of the Národní Divadlo. He introduced me into the Prague world of performers, opera singers and ballet dancers. I took this photo of Jaroslav kantor an hour before he was going to perform in an opera. I took this photo as he was going outside of the Národní Divadlo for fresh air and a cigarette.