Behind the Curtain October 2026

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The weather is starting to cool down a little bit, so what better time could there be for some theater? Find a warm seat and enjoy, even if the play you choose is more exciting than chill.

If you’d like to join in the fun directly, we're holding auditions for four roles in Britney Goes to Heaven by Petr Kolečko, a dark comedy and (sometimes) musical, reflecting on fame, sin, and justice, with a sprinkle of pop. Auditions are 24 October at Kavarna Trojka. To book your audition slot, or for more information, write to ines.ribas-johnson@czechtheater.cz.

This play continues our season theme of The Past Is a Trap. The future is still wide open though, full of theater and community.

An entire stage full of people, some in costumes, some not.

The Show Must Go On

If you’re looking for a cultural night out, Brno’s welcoming English-friendly theater scene has something to offer.

This upcoming show will be in English:

Pygmalion
When: 17, 24, 25, and 27 October
Where: Lumos

These upcoming shows will have English surtitles:

Smokeout/Vykouření
When: 22 October
Where: Husa na provázku

Agony (ancient reality show)/Agónie (antická reality show)
When: 30 October
Where: HaDivadlo

Waiting in the Wings

Intermission

A paper with the heading BRNĚNSKÝ DEVĚTSIL printed on it and some handwritten words underneath it.

The Devětsil (Nine Forces) was a group of Czech avant-garde artists including playwrights, actors, and directors. The group existed from 1920 to 1930.

In the Spotlight

This month, we’re shining the spotlight on Kein Ribas-Johnson from the Czech Republic.

🎭 When did you first get involved in Czech Theater?

I honestly don't remember, I think I've always been in the orbit just by relation. I've been to many rehearsal of plays that I didn't act in, my acting debut was for The Trial.

A photo of Kein holding a mask in his hand.

🎭 Do you have a favorite line from a play that Czech Theater has performed?

Not because it's a particularly profound line, and I've learned over the years with Czech Theater that I'm bad at remembering lines, but because it spawned a horrid running joke that continues to this day. "I've always loved horses" from Fast & Furiants.

Václav tries to change his dad’s mind while Bušek acts mad.

🎭 Do you have any pre-performance routines or superstitions?

Get stressed, get calm again. It's the only thing I can really focus on at that moment. There's certain amounts of fist and jaw clenching as well.

🎭 Can you share with us any funny or unexpected onstage/backstage mishaps or memories?

I remember when we was helping carry some set pieces from storage to Co-Labs for Hrdý Budžes. It's about a 10 minute walk regularly, but with these pieces it would have been 30 minutes at least, and about 4-5 trips. Just as we were about to set off, we spotted some movers - I ran to them and asked them if they had a few minutes, which they did because they were early for their job, and if they wanted to make some quick cash. The move was done in 20 minutes.

The reason I remember that is because each person brings something unique to Czech Theater, but wanting Czech Theater to succeed can bring something out in you, either a certain courage you never had the opportunity to test, or the strength to push through obstacles in new and creative ways.

🎭 What do you like most about being part of Czech Theater?

The people, the shared goal, the sense of community. The list is long. It seems to get longer with every play I get to be a part of.

A Tough Act to Follow

Many actors posing on a small yellow couch with a Christmas tree in the background.

Petr Kolečko’s Poker Face is a wry look at three Czech generations as they bet on hope, gamble their futures, and bluff past their personal and political disappointments.