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Prague Theatre and Dance Introduction

Residents of Prague have, for over two hundred years, been indulged in a love affair with the dramatic arts, thanks to a wide-range of theatre venues and a varied scene that includes first-rate fringe offerings together with more well-known plays and International musicals. Such enthusiasm can be traced back to the nationalist verve that swept the country towards the end of 18th century, with the Estates Theatre serving as a catalyst for the growth of Czech language productions across the country. Indeed, the inscription above the theatre's portal reads Patriae et Musis - 'To the Home Land and the Muses'. It's also reassuring to know that such an emotive sentiment still holds true today, with even small suburban playhouses enjoying a good local following.

For performance listings check out: www.theatre.cz (which also publishes an annual review of the domestic theatre scene) or the websites of Prague's most popular theatre/performance venues below. For tickets, contact: www.ticketpro.cz or www.ticketsbti.cz (Bohemia Ticket International).

Alfred ve dvoře Theatre (Divaldo Alfred ve dvoře)

Fr. Křížka 36, Praha 7, Holešovice, Tel: +420 233 376 997, Fax: +420 233 376 985, E-mail: divadlo.alfred@centrum.cz, Website: www.alfredvedvore.cz, Tram 1, 8, 25, 26, Show Map
Self-proclaimed as a "stage for movement, visual and experimental theatre" Ctibor Turba's permanent Prague home for alternative/non-verbal performance seems to have secured increased funding over recent years. And, while it's not everyone's cup of tea, extraordinary performances and thought-provoking concepts make this an intriguing venue to visit.

Archa Theatre (Divadlo Archa)

Na Poříči 26, Praha 1, Nové Město, Tel: +420 221 716 111, Fax: +420 221 716 666, E-mail: archa@archatheatre.cz, Wap: wap.archatheatre.cz, Website: www.archatheatre.cz, Metro: Náměstí Republiky, Show Map
Widely regarded as Prague's best avant-garde theatre, the Archa's recent history is one of misfortune, having been badly hit by the floods that devastated the city a few years back. Indeed, the damage was such that performances had to (temporarily) be moved to the Ponec Theatre. Having now returned to its rightful home, the Archa's repertoire continue to surprise and enthral in equal measure.

Black Light Image Theatre (Černé divadlo)

Pařížská 4, Praha 1, Staré Mēsto, Tel: +420 222 329 191, Fax: +420 224 811 167, E-mail: image@imagetheatre.cz, Website: www.imagetheatre.cz, Box Office Open: 9am-8pm daily (except Sunday), Metro: Náměstí Republiky, Show Map
Also known as Magic Latern theatre, Black Light is a popular form of dramatic art that involves performers dressing in black against a black backdrop (thus being invisible). In other words, they're able to perform puppetry and pantomime with breathtaking results. Arguably there's no better city in the world to see such a spectacle, with the Černé divadlo being a leading exponent of the art.

Činoherní Klub Theatre

Ve Smečkách 26, Praha 1, Staré Mēsto, Tel: +420 296 222 123, Fax: +420 296 222 124, Website: www.cinoherniklub.cz, Box Office Open: daily from 3pm (6pm Sat/Sun), Metro: Muzeum, Show Map
Routinely off the wall Czech productions along with quirky adaptations of famous works such as Beckett's 'Waiting for Godot'. Still, ticket prices are cheap (with those opting to stand paying just 30 CZK) while performances are generally of a high standard.

Estates Theatre

Stavovské divaldo, Ovocný trh 1, Staré Město, Prague 1, Tel: +420 224 228 503, Website: www.estatestheatre.cz, Metro: Můstek, Show Map
As well as being one of the most beautiful theatres in Europe, the Estates Theatre is also among the most historic, as it was here that Mozart first performed Don Giovanni on October 29, 1787 (which he conducted himself) later followed by the opera La Clemenza di Tito. Originally dubbed Count Nostitz's theatre - after the aristocrat who was responsible for its construction - the building later become the Royal Provincial German Theatre, while today it concentrates on ballet/theatre productions and, to a lesser degree, regular opera (including Don Giovanni).

Globe Theatre Prague (Divaldo Globe Praha)

Výstaviště, Prague 7, Holešovice, Tel: +420 222 711 515, Website: www.divadlo-globe.cz, Open: May-Sep (season varies), Metro: Nádraží Holešovice, Show Map
A replica of Shakespeare's Globe (though still different to the London version), this pleasant and atmospheric venue stages English/Czech versions of the Bard during the summer. The leafy and tranquil setting of Výstaviště (Prague's exhibition grounds) makes the experience all the more enjoyable, while ticket prices are reasonable. Recommended.

Ta Fantastika (Divadlo Ta Fantastika)

Karlova 8, Praha 1, Staré Mēsto, Tel: +420 222 221 364, Fax: +420 222 220 386, E-mail: produkce@tafantastika.cz, Website: www.tafantastika.cz, Metro: Staroměstská, Show Map
Prague's other major venue for black-light theatre, Ta Fantastika is a well-run and highly accomplished outfit staging adaptations of famous children's stories such as Alice in Wonderland and Gulliver's Travels. Ticket prices are reasonably high (principally because of the downtown location), although shows are well-worth seeing.

Magic Lantern (Laterna Magika)

Národní Třída 4, Praha 1, Nové Město, Tel: +420 224 914 129, Fax: +420 222 222 039, E-mail: info@laterna.cz, Website: www.laterna.cz, Metro: Národní třída/Tram 6, 9, 17, 18, 22, Show Map
Visually stunning multi-media techniques combine with film and contemporary dance to convey intriguing and imaginative ideas to a (usually) full and appreciative auditorium. Housed in Nová Scéna (part of the National Theatre, see below).

The National Theatre (Národni divadlo)

Národní 2, Praha 1, Nové Město, Website: www.nationaltheatre.cz, Metro: Národní třída/Tram 6, 9, 17, 18, 22, Show Map
The upsurge of Czech nationalism in the 19th century was due, in no small part, to a highly influential literary, music and arts scene, with composers such as Bedřich Smetana being instrumental in creating new cultural institutions such as Josef Zitek's National Theatre.

Standing as fitting testament to the wave of patriotism that united all levels of Bohemian society, the theatre boasts an interior created by some of the finest painters and sculptors of the time along with a hugely impressive foyer (complete with ceiling paintings by Ženíšek). Now focusing largely upon Czech opera with works by Smetana and Dvořák, other European composers such as Bizet, Verdi and Puccini also feature, while ballet productions (such as Taming of the Shrew) are premiered here too.

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