A festive open-air performance of Antonin Dvorak’s Serenade in D minor for Winds, Violoncello, and Contrabass, Op. 44, performed by members of Camerata Notturna under the direction of Carl C. Bettendorf.
Celebrating the free spirit of our friend and colleague, artist Gabriel Levicky.
A special evening marking Vaclav Havel’s 90th birthday, celebrating his ideas, values, and continuing relevance today.
The festival comes to a close with an evening of stand-up comedy featuring three distinct regional voices (alongside other special guests). Hear the unique perspectives of comics from Uzbekistan, Slovenia, and Bulgaria as they share jokes rooted in their cultural experiences.
The history of Europe in the 20th century described with perspective, humor and caustic irony. This original dramatization is a devastating commentary on the last century, in which an important role was played by war, the invention of the bra and perforated toilet paper.
A workshop production of the classic absurdist Polish play about three shipwrecked men on a raft. The raft is an analogy for our society, which has suffered a kind of “shipwreck”: the familiar concepts no longer work in the face of major crises such as climate change, right-wing extremism, wars, natural disasters, and mass migration.
Inspired by the volatile lives of Zdena Salivarova and Josef Skvorecky—two exceptional novelists and translators—the play examines their creative work and hardships under communist Czechoslovakia, as well as their subsequent emigration to Toronto, Canada.
A monodrama inspired by the true story of Dmitry Bogrov, a Ukrainian-Jewish lawyer, double agent, and revolutionary who assassinated Russian Prime Minister Pyotr Stolypin at the Kyiv Opera House in 1911.
In this theater workshop, twelve scenes are connected by a certain kind of extreme, exploring relationships, stereotypes, uncertainties, and tensions through language cut to the bone and silence that speaks.
Screening of short documentary episodes delving into creative practices, Jewish identities, and personal journeys of Polish artists. KulturDocs sheds light on contemporary Jewish art in Poland, challenges old stereotypes, and sparks crucial conversations about Jewish identity and cultural expression.
Musical solo performance driven by a journey through family, history, and self-discovery, featuring Kati who searches for freedom and understanding as she uncovers the truth about her family's past in post-war Hungary.
A series of newly commissioned short plays using Vaclav Havel’s character, Ferdinand Vanek, or his relatives and descendants, and placing them in modern scenarios, imaging them in the world of today.
Staged reading of a play examining the former Slovak President Tiso and his complicity with Hitler during World War II.
Staged reading of a Ukrainian play about a nonbinary soldier, Antonina, for whom the front line is a place of stark truths and haunting echoes.
Czech historian Vaclav Zurek will present the recently published English edition of his book Charles IV: A Portrait of a Medieval Ruler, exploring the life, reign, and historical significance of a man who established Prague as a political, cultural, and intellectual center of the empire.
Celebrate spring in style and experience an evening of ballroom dancing at the historic Bohemian National Hall. Live music by the popular Express Band, food buffet and more.
Scholars, scientists, artists, and professionals of Czech or Slovak descent to introduce their talent, the subject of their work, project, research, or studies in a short presentation limited to six minutes.
Celebrate spring by learning spring songs, playing spring games, and making spring-themed crafts in this monthly Czech program for children 3-7 years old.
Staged reading of a Czech play – a darkly satirical reimagining of Hamlet’s world, focusing particularly on sexual indiscretions and their political/familial repercussions.
Historian Hillel Kieval will discuss the cultural background to the Golem story, its traces in traditional Jewish literature, its resonances in Czech culture and memory, and the surprisingly modern settings of the tale’s narration as we have come to know it today.
A musical afternoon celebrating virtuoso violinists Charles Castleman and Otakar Sevcik. A multimedia presentation including live performance, historical recording, and a violin lesson live on stage.
A thought-provoking musical evening with pianist and musicologist Katelyn Bouska exploring the 19th century Czech American musical tapestry through selected gems and the New York premiere of her own compositional fantasy.
An illustrated talk by Marcy Arlin and friends showcasing the work of Czech artist Zdenek Kriz in the social, artistic, psychological, and cultural context of the surrealist movement under the communist regime in the former Czechoslovakia.
Play, color, craft, dance, and – most importantly – sing. Explore beloved Czech children’s songs. Our singing will be accompanied on ukulele and guitar by a musical duo, sisters Doubrava and Daniela Krautschneider.
The internationally acclaimed pianist Yefim Bronfman will perform at this special event, which will also include a brief discussion with esteemed professors Michael Beckerman and Leon Botstein.
Celebrate love in style and experience an evening of romance, fun, and unforgettable entertainment. Live music by the popular Express Band, dance show, food buffet and more.
Celebrating the music of Erwin Schulhoff, Czech-Jewish composer of the early 20th century, with underStaffed’s performance of a varied program of his works for assorted chamber ensembles.
Puppeteer Vit Horejs will talk about the history and role of puppetry, including the Spejbl and Hurvinek Theatre in Prague and its founder Josef Skupa, against the sociopolitical backdrop of Czechoslovakia from the 1920s to today.
Let us transport you to the world of a beloved marionette family of Mr Spejbl and his son Hurvinek, whose witty banter has delighted audiences worldwide for over a century. They will be joined by Hurvinek's best friend Manicka and the dog Zeryk.
Scholars, scientists, artists, and professionals of Czech or Slovak descent to introduce their talent, the subject of their work, project, research, or studies in a short presentation limited to six minutes.
A documentary that reveals the untold story of 999 teenage Jewish girls initially registered for Slovak government service in a purported shoe factory, only to be tragically sent to Auschwitz.
Dance the night away in a stunning ballroom, featuring the Ginny Bales Society Band and a spectacular dance show by Stephen and Alexandra Hughes. Indulge in a gourmet holiday feast, and toast to the season with an open wine bar and Czech beer.
Zbynek Tarant will discuss Leo Herrmann’s rescue plan for 2,500 Czech Jews by means of a ha‘avara scheme. Without Herrmann, Franz Kafka’s archive would likely have been lost forever.
