The Makropulos Case focuses on the issue of longevity – the pros and cons of living for 337 years, as happens to the mysterious Emilia Marty, the sexually irresistible prima donna who has seen it all and done it all. Part grotesque human comedy, part profound personal tragedy, this opera examines the eternal mystery of human existence with uniquely life-enhancing vision.

Recorded live at Glyndebourne Festival Opera in August 1995 and re-mastered in high-definition from the original master tape.

“Anja Silja's Emilia Marty in Makropulos at Glyndebourne is a nonpareil triumph… This is a near-perfect production by Nikolaus Lehnhoff” - Wall Street Journal

“I am lost for superlatives… perhaps heart-stopping, soul shattering, out-of-body experience will have to do, to describe this brilliant new production” - The Spectator

“Anja Silja…….an electrifying performance….a perfect example of just what video opera can and ought to be” - Opera Now

Cast:
- Emilia Marty: Anja Silja
- Albert Gregor: Kim Begley
- Baron Prus: Victor Braun
- Dr Kolenatý: Andrew Shore
- Vítek: Anthony Roden
- Kristina: Manuela Kriscak
- Janek: Christopher Ventris
- Hauk-Šendorf: Robert Tear
- Chambermaid: Susan Gorton
- Stage Hand: Henry Waddington
- Cleaner: Menai Davies
- Celeste: Jonathan Hinden

Director: Nikolaus Lehnhoff
Designer: Tobias Hoheisel
Lighting Designer: Mark Henderson
Directed for video by: Brian Large