PROTEST / DEBT

REHEARSAL FOR TRUTH Theater Festival
Wednesday, September 26, 2018, 7:30 p.m.

Presented by: Svanda Theatre, Prague, Czech Republic
Playwrights: Vaclav Havel and Marek Hejduk
Director: Daniel Hrbek
Translation: Jan Novak and Alex Zucker
Cast: Robert Jaskow, Tomas Pavelka, Jacob Erftemeijer, Tomas Korenek

Thirty-three years separate two one-act plays that are connected by absurd humor and the characters of Vanek and Stanek. What happens when two writers meet—one who is not allowed to write and the other who writes whatever he wants? What if the first one has a surprising proposal for the second one? And what if the two of them meet years later when they can write freely but it is not working? Vaclav Havel’s dialogue confronts the dramatic attempts of a debuting author. To sign or not to sign? To act or just to talk? Did the elites fail or did we? Protest? Debt!

PROTEST will be performed in Czech with English subtitles, DEBT will be performed in English. Talk back after the show introduced by Daniel Hrbek, Director, Svanda Theatre. Afterparty reception at BNH Ballroom Bar.

Anyone who loves intellectual theater based on dialogue that undergoes continuous absurd twists over and over, as if in a spiral, anyone who gives precedence to civil expression over theatricality, who considers it preferable to think about a performance rather than simply be entertained for a moment, should visit Svandovo divadlo for a performance of Protest/Debt. These two pieces by authors Vaclav Havel and Marek Hejduk, presented in the chamber environment of the Studio under the sensitive direction of Daniel Hrbek, represent intelligently entertaining theater in its purest form.

CT24 – 27 April 2015 – Marie Tresnakova

Svanda Theatre is one of the oldest drama theatres in Prague. It´s focused on contemporary plays and also on the bold adaptation of classics. Besides its own repertoire Svanda Theatre also offers a wide range of supporting events such as concerts, talk shows, independent theatre group productions, stage readings and also the best of Czech regional theatre work. It was also awarded the prestigious Alfred Radok´ award for its dramaturgy.

Book free tickets on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rehearsal-for-truth-protest-rest-free-tickets-47699743216

Rehearsal for Truth Theater Festival is organized by Vaclav Havel Library Foundation and Bohemian Benevolent and Literary Association, in partnership with Czech, Hungarian, Polish and Slovak performing arts institutions and cultural institutes to highlight Havel’s legacy as a playwright through live performances, panel discussions, exhibitions and an award ceremony. It seeks to establish exchanges between U.S. and Central European theater professionals. The festival reflects not only Havel’s contribution to 20th century theater but also his belief in the potential of Central European cultural traditions to enrich human existence in the modern age. Rehearsal for Truth Theater Festival is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.

For press release click here