Hradec Králové Welcomes You to the Theatre of European Regions Festival
The country’s biggest theatre event, the Theatre of European Regions, is back with over 300 varied performances. You’ll find everything from experimental works, drama, dance, and puppet shows to immersive projects and musical acts. This festival will feature artists and groups from across the Czech Republic as well as from other countries like Spain, Catalonia, Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Italy, and Slovakia. With more than thirty venues set up in the charming historic center, Hradec Králové will transform into a vibrant theatre hub.
Among the international acts on the Main Stage at Klicper Theatre are two outstanding European companies. The festival will kick off with the Barcelona group Agrupación Señor Serrano performing The Mountain, a piece that uniquely blends multimedia, performance art, and live music. The Italian company Muta Imago will showcase a unique rendition of Three Sisters, creating a visually and sonically stunning portrayal of memories that shifts seamlessly between drama, movement, and dreams. Additionally, Studio Beseda will feature the Dutch group Studio Julian Hetzel performing SPAfrica, a critically acclaimed project exploring themes of empathy, racism, and power dynamics, which recently won the 2024 Directing Award.
This year’s Catalan Focus will also highlight two other exceptional projects in addition to The Mountain. The first is the production An-Ki file Ortiga, a captivating and engaging performance presented by the company, which will host 16 shows during the festival in its own tent set in the park by the Secondary Medical School. Another group that’s familiar to the local audience is Tombs Creatius, which will delight festival-goers with their animated film caravan Puck Cinema Caravan at the Žižkov Sady.
Highlights in the programme and Summer cinema Širák
The Drak Theatre will showcase two Flemish productions aimed at children and families: Big People from Compagnie Barbarie, which is filled with absurd clowning and clever humor, and Grasshoppers by Circus Katoen, that combines new circus arts with puppetry in a delightful acrobatic performance. The German troupe Tangram Kollektiv is set to present Shades of Shadows, a remarkable spectacle that uses shadow theatre to mesmerize both young and older audiences. From Slovenia, expect Elena Volpi, who will debut a family-friendly piece, Cinderella, along with the well-known festival artist Matija Solce, who brings his Teatr Matita to perform the outdoor Cabaret Axe and a musical show named Youwhowho.
One of the standout events this year is Another place, a unique performance project specifically designed for Regions as part of the Cultivation 800 initiative, celebrating 800 years since the city’s first recorded mention. Creators Anna Klimešová and Petr Erbes invite the audience to embark on a sensory journey through the city, where the city itself becomes a central character in the narrative. A utopian vision of the city will emerge in the Great Square, along with explorations of other hidden corners typically overlooked on a routine stroll.
Shirak Summer Cinema will see beloved festival figures Vosto5 and Losers Cirque Company take the stage. After a two-year hiatus, Vosto5 returns with their production The Tragedy of Liblice, blending ensemble artistry with thrilling spy elements. Meanwhile, Losers Cirque Company, champions of Czech Slovakia’s Got Talent, continues their winning streak with their acrobatic show Audition, where audience participation determines the victor. A special outdoor program is being planned by Klicper Theatre, featuring its production Compatible works followed by a concert from P/\ST!
Music tips from the Regions
Music program of the festival will present a broad spectrum of contemporary sounds – from the intimate tunes of “rural pop” by Johuš Matuš to the raw melodies of the award-winning Amelia Siba, alongside the lively dance-psychedelic beats from the Balkan sensation Yamaha Oriental. Local favorites such as Malone and the actor’s band Mastix from Klicper Theatre will also perform. Families and those who appreciate clever comedy will enjoy Hm…, while Circus Problem will keep the energy high and everyone in the tent dancing with their vibrant performance. This year’s festival music will continue to blend various styles, moods, and generations, aiming to create new symmetries throughout the event.
Tickets and information for spectators
Tickets can be purchased online or at traditional ticket centers including Klicper Theatre, Drak Theatre, and the Hradec Králové Information Centre. In line with the festival’s custom, most of the outdoor performances will have free or optional donations, allowing everyone to enjoy this cultural celebration. You can find the full program and practical details, including pricing information on the festivalregiony.cz website or at the information booth located in Žižkov Gardens during the festival.
On the festival website, visitors can search and filter the program not only by date, location, or type of performance, but also by age suitability, which is especially useful for families with kids. Additionally, the site offers the option to create your own festival schedule and save it in the ‘My program’ section.
