Theatres
There are many theatres in Prague, ranging from blacklight and magic lantern shows to the major opera houses and concert halls. There are regular English language productions for the spoken word – consult up-to-date schedules to check the current position you’ll readily find around the city. Czech drama is, unsurprisingly, played in Czech, which quite reduces its interest to English speakers.
Tip: Prague Fringe Festival takes place at the begining of June and features lots of English-language theatre.
The Black Light Theater
A type of modern dance/mime variety production, the Black Light Theater presents no language barriers and offers, for many, more entertainment than a classical music concert. Original to Prague, the Black Light ‘Theater started during the 1960s as a fun and mysterious theatre of the ridiculous. Today, fans and critics complain that it is turning into a cheesy variety production, whilst other people are not happy with the sexual nature of some of the acts. Nonetheless, it is a unique theatre experience that lots of people like. The shows go on for around 90 minutes. Do not sit in the 1st 4 rows; otherwise, you will be so close that the illusion will be ruined. Every theatre listed below offers its’ own take on what the Black Light is meant to be.
The city of Prague is world famous for its black light theatres, mimes and magic lantern shows. Most of these shows are based on music with little or no spoken word, and so there is no language problem.
The National Theatre
The most fabulous of all Czech theatres is The National Theatre in Prague that became the symbol of the Czech national revival period. Financial means for its construction had been raised through a nationwide public collection. Building works began in 1868, according to the plans of architect J. Zitek. However, in 1881, just as its construction was finally nearing its end, the theatre burnt out. The reconstruction took two years, and on November 18, 1883, the National Theatre was inaugurated with the Czech opera Libuše composed by Bedřich Smetana. Decoration of both exterior and interior is a work of leading Czech artists M. Aleš, F. Ženišek, V. Hynais, J.V. Myslbek and others.
Nowadays, the National Theatre consists of three art ensembles – opera, ballet and drama – which perform at three places: in the original building of The National Theatre, in The Estates Theatre and in The Kolowrat Theatre. Box-office: Mon – Sun 10:00 – 18:00 www.narodni-divadlo.cz
Location: Národní třída 2, New Town; tickets up to 1200 CZK
Estates Theatre
The Estates Theatre is the oldest in Prague, famed as Mozart conducted the premiere of Don Giovanni on 29 October 1787. Mozartissimo – a medley of highlights from several Mozart’s operas, including Don Giovanni – is performed several times a week in summer (see www.bmart.cz); the rest of the year sees various opera, ballet and drama productions. The theatre is equipped for the hearing-impaired and has wheelchair access. Wheelchair bookings can be made up to five days in advance, and you can buy tickets from any National Theatre box office.
Location: Ovocný trh 1, Old Town; tickets up to 1200 CZK, website
Image Theatre
Come to the theatre where dancers will express their unspoken, disturbing emotions and overcome the laws of physics in front of your eyes. Music will bring the inanimate to life, tragedy will change into comedy, and the unbelievable will become real. Moreover, your imagination will be fully awakened.
Location: Pařížská 4, Old Town; Tickets prices: around 450 CZK; Performances: start at 8 pm. website
National Marionette Theatre
National Marionette Theatre has a long tradition of popular entertainment in Prague. Puppets and costumed actors perform classical operas like versions of Mozart’s famous ‘opera of operas’, Don Giovanni, and some lighter fare like the enchanting story of The Magic Flute. Another interesting performance is the Puppet Gala Performance, a mix of the puppeteers’ finest works. Come to see some of the great performances at this authentic theatre which usually begin at 8 pm.
Location: Žatecká 1, Old Town, website
Vinohrady Theater
The nice Art Nouveau Vinohrady Theater lies at the side of the grand church of St Ludmila in the area of Vinohrady. The dominant theatre is home to one of the main drama scenes in Prague, which opened on November 24, 1907. Hundreds of popular and talented actors, playwrights, and directors have played in the Vinohrady Theater. The current talents heading the theatre are the main director Tomáš Töpfer with artistic director Martin Stropnický. Under their watchful eyes, the theatre presents more or less known historical and contemporary pieces with popular actors such as Viktor Preiss, Václav Vydra, Hana Maciuchová and many others. The Vinohrady Theater boasts modern adaptations of classic plays, guaranteeing that each theatre piece will continue to surprise you. Tickets range from 200 to 500 CZK at the theatre box office. website
Other Theatres in Prague
Laterna Magika, Nardoní třída 4; Multimedia show with dance, opera and music; Tickets 690 CZK; website
Cinoherni Klub, Ve smečkách 26; Czech language modern drama, Tickets around 200 CZK; website
Divadlo Minor, Vodickova 6, New Town; Children’s theatre offering mix of puppets and pantomime; website
Music Theatre Karlin; Offers comedies with songs, operettas, musicals; website
Divadlo na Zabradli (Theatre on the Balustrade), Aneske nam. 5, Old Town; Czech drama where former Czech president Vaclav Havel honed his skills as playwright a few decades ago; Tickets from 90 CZK; website
Divadlo Spejbla a Hurvinka, Dejvicka 38, Prague 6; Famous puppeteer Josef Skupa created in 1930 characters Spejbl & Hurvinek; Theatre is mainly for children; website
Divadlo v Celetne, Celetna 17, Old Town; Performances of Czech drama and some foreign plays but only in the Czech language; Tickets from 30 CZK; website
Švandovo Divadlo website
La Fabrika website
Alfred ve Dvoře website
Music and Dance Faculty of the Academy of Performing Arts website
Divadlo na Prádle website