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In 2005, it is clear that the programme of the Shakespeare Summer Festival will continue to be a major cultural event in the Czech Republic that has long since surpassed its significance as a mere summer showcase of theatre. In addition to repeat performances of Hamlet, with charismatic performer Jiří Langmajer in the lead role, and last year’s successful production of Romeo and Juliet, the Prague Castle once again anticipates the staging of a new production. This year, Viktor Polesny, one of the country’s most experienced television, film and theatre directors, will direct the new production of Twelfth Night (Večer tříkrálový).
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The festival kicks off with the thematic evening entitled Shakespeare’s Fools (Shakespearovi šašci), a unique production focusing on the fools, jesters and lunatics from Shakespeare’s plays, created by translator and long term co-operator of the festival, professor Martin Hilský. The festival programme will also be complemented by the Slovak production of Merchant of Venice (Kupec benátský), directed by Roman Polák. This piece has already begun receiving a great deal of interest and will be one of the main productions presented in Bratislava this year.
History confirms that the Summer Shakespeare Festival is an activity that attracts quality creators, the interest of the media and a substantially large public. In 1999 and 2000, President Václav Havel granted the project his personal support with his patronage. Last year, the Czech Republic’s current President Václav Klaus has also granted the activities of the festival with his support. Another great patron of the Festival is its main partner, the PPF Group.
The domestic company standing on the peak of the financial market has supported the Festival for six years. Thanks to its initiative, the theatre showcase has grown to include prestigious photographic exhibitions (organized right on the grounds of the Prague Castle) as well as other benevolent, charitable activities. This year, for its large audiences and for those individuals who do not speak Czech or Slovak, the PPF Group has prepared an outstanding exhibition entitled, HEROES OF ALBION – a collection of black and white photos of Czech pilots serving the Royal Armed Forces. The photographs were taken by classic Czech photographer, Ladislav Sitensky. All 25 photos have been enlarged to large formats and will be shown in the open air spaces of the Prague Castle – admission to the exhibit is free.|
Tickets: www.ticketpro.cz
Contact for media: Magdalena Bicikova, magdalena@shakespeare.cz