The film-opera Three Wishes or Life’s Vicissitudes was written by Martinů in 1929 in Paris. The libretto was written by French writer G. Ribemont-Dessaignese, one of the leading figures of French surrealism. The opera is based on the well-known fairy tale about three wishes that come true. The first two acts take place in a film studio where the fairy tale is being filmed. In the third act, an abridged version of the film is screened. The setting for the final scene is an exclusive New York bar. The external framework of the theatrical performance is formed by the parallels between the fates of the actors and the film story. The music of the opera is inspired by the dance and jazz rhythms of the time (foxtrot, waltz, tango).
The premiere took place on June 16, 1971 (after the composer's death) at the National Theater in Brno. The production was directed by Evald Schorm and the music was performed under the baton of Václav Nosek. The main roles were portrayed by Milada Šafránková (Indolende), Jaroslav Souček (Juste), Eva Výmolová (Nulle), and Josef Škrobánek (Adolphe).
Státní divadlo v Brně, Bohuslav Martinů: Trojí přání (June 16, 1971).