Page 220 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Prague

218  TR A VELLERS ‘ NEEDS

The Performing Arts and Films spectacle. None of the
three genres requires any
Prague has always been known for its artistic heritage. Theatre understanding of Czech and
has played an important role in the city’s cultural develop­ all are strongly represented.
ment, and in recent decades the range of enter tainment Jiří Srnec’s Black Light
has expanded considerably. Even during the Communist Theatre is one of the major
venues for Black Light Theatre
period, Prague remained a centre of experimental theatre, performance. Ta Fantastika
not least with the emergence of Black Light Theatre in the is another. These and others
1960s. Today, this tradition continues, with new theatre are listed in the directory.
groups emerging all the time, ever more experimental. In
general, the theatre season runs from September to June. Dance
During the summer, open­air performances are given in In Prague, opera and ballet
Prague’s gardens and parks. For those who prefer to dance companies traditionally share
till dawn, relax to the sound of jazz or take in a movie – you the National Theatre, where
will find plenty to entertain you in this city. the Czech Republic’s best
permanent ballet company
is based. The Prague State
English-language Fringe Theatres Opera also has a resident ballet
Performances These originated during the ensemble that is keen to usurp
Many theatres in Prague have 1960s and won renown for their the reputation of the National
started to stage a number of fight against the status quo. The Theatre company as the city’s
English-language productions, groups are still very innovative best. The tickets for the ballet
especially in the summer and largely experimental. They at both major venues are
months. Even if the play is not perform in small theatres, and even lower than for opera
performed in English, some many of Prague’s best actors performances. You can also
venues use supertitles to provide and actresses have developed watch ballet performances at
a translation. For details, check their skills while working for the Estates Theatre. Ponec is
the listings (see Listings and some of these companies. an experimental performance
Tickets pp224–5). Fringe theatres include the dance space dedicated to
Dramatic Club, well known for modern dance, and hosts
its supporting ensemble; the the annual Tanec Praha
Major Theatres
Ypsilon Studio, with one of the international festival of
Prague’s first permanent finest acting companies in the contemporary dance and
theatre was built in 1738, but city; Theatre Na Fidlovačce, movement theatre in June.
the city’s theatrical tradition which stages a mix of musicals
dates from the Baroque and and straight drama; the large Cinemas
Renaissance periods. Theatre Below Palmovka,
The National Theatre (see renowned for its mix of classical Although Prague doesn’t show
pp156–7) is Prague’s main venue and modern plays; and the all the latest Hollywood block-
for opera, ballet and plays. The Theatre in Celetná. One of busters, more than 80 per cent
neighbouring New Stage is Prague’s most spectacular of the films shown are recent
another important venue. It is theatrical and music venues US productions, most of them
also the main stage for the multi- is Křižík’s Fountain, at the in English with Czech subtitles.
media Laterna Magika company, Exhibition Ground, where Multiplex cinemas are now big
which is one of Prague’s best- classical concerts are held business. The largest of these
known theatre groups as well as and full orchestras perform multiplexes – the Cinema
being at the forefront of Euro- to stunning lightshows. The Cities, which can be found
pean improvisational theatre. Semafor Theatre is the home in Flóra, Zličin, Háje, Anděl,
Other major theatres in the city of the tremendously popular Letňany, Hostivař, and one in
include the Comedy Theatre and comedian, Jiří Suchý. the centre in Slovanský Dům
the “stone theatres.” These gained – boast eight to ten screens.
importance during the 19th cent- Pantomime, Mime Světozor is great for catching
ury and include the Vinohrady Czech films with English sub-
Theatre and the Estates Theatre and Black Light Theatre titles. Bio Oko is an art house
(see p67) – one of the most Some of the most popular cinema with a great café and
respected in Prague. The Prague theatre entertainment in an ambitious repertoire of
Municipal Theatre is an acting Prague is pantomime, mime contemporary Czech films
company whose plays appear in and Black Light Theatre. In as well as classics. Lucerna
turn at the ABC Theatre and the the latter, the use of UV lighting is a lovely cinema to visit,
Rokoko Studio of Drama. The and fluorescent objects, and with a beautiful interior.
Kolowrat Theatre is based in the costumes, against a darkened Other cinema options
Kolowrat Palace. stage creates a stunning visual are listed in the directory.

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Date 13th August 2012
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