There are more than 40 theatres in Prague. Apart from big theatres with a classical repertoire, there are smallish theatres – these came into existence mostly in the sixties of the last century to criticize the totalitarian regime. They have been playing the role of critics and innovators ever since. There are also several new experimental theatres in Prague, such as the Black Theatre or the Pantomime Theatre.
One of the most popular theatres amongst visitors in Prague is the ‘black light theatre’ (visual trickery created by ‘invisible’ actors dressed in black). It is a hybrid of mime, puppetry and drama. Another popular theatre is puppetry and marionette, suitable for both children and adult (Czech performances are some of the best in the world with legendary Spejbl & Hurvinek from Josef Skupa).
There are several English theatres in Prague, but most performances are unfortunately in Czech. Prices for tickets are around 400 CZK. Usually, you can get them from the box office or ticket agencies such a Ticketpro. They have offices all over the city.
The National Theatre
The most fabulous of all Czech theatres is The National Theatre in Prague that became the symbol of the Czech national revival period. Financial means for its construction had been raised through a nationwide public collection. Building works began in 1868, according to the plans of architect J. Zitek. However, in 1881, just as its construction was finally nearing its end, the theatre burnt out. The reconstruction took two years, and on November 18, 1883, the National Theatre was inaugurated with the Czech opera Libuše composed by Bedřich Smetana. Decoration of both exterior and interior is a work of leading Czech artists M. Aleš, F. Ženišek, V. Hynais, J.V. Myslbek and others.
Nowadays, the National Theatre consists of three art ensembles – opera, ballet and drama – which perform at three places: in the original building of The National Theatre, in The Estates Theatre and The Kolowrat Theatre. Box-office: Mon – Sun 10:00 – 18:00 www.narodni-divadlo.cz
Laterna Magika
Multimedia show with dance, opera and music, tickets 690 CZK, Address: Nardoni trida 4, Prague 1. (read more)
Cinoherni Klub
Czech language modern drama, around 200 CZK, Address: Ve smeckach 26 www.cinoherniklub.cz
Krizkova Fontana Water and Light Show in Prague
Do not miss in Prague open-air music theatre Křižík Fountain. The fascinating water and light show accompanied by music and dancing is an unforgettable experience. Address: Prague 7 – Holešovice, Exhibition Ground. (read more)
National Black Light Theatre
Fantasy Travellers – Gulliver and Alice in Wonderland. Gulliver won the prize for the Best Fantasy performance at the 52nd World Theatre Festival in Edinburgh. Theatre is represented by Columbia Artistic Management. www.cernedivadlo.cz
Archa Theater
Archa is an internationally renowned performance space that hosts Prague’s best concerts and performances, from American indie bands Wilco and MGMT to the provocative Belgian dance company Ultima Vez. Archa’s space is small enough to be intimate, large enough for crowds and versatile enough to hold various acts in every imaginable genre. Address: Na Poříčí 26, Prague 1-New Town; website.
Divadlo Minor
Vodickova 6, New Town – children’s theatre offering a mix of puppets and pantomime. www.minor.cz
Music Theatre Karlin
The music theatre offers comedies with songs, operettas, musicals. (read more)
Divadlo na Vinohradech
Czech language ballet and drama, Address: Namesti Miru 7, Vinohrady. website
Divadlo na Zabradli
(Theatre on the Balustrade) Anenske nam. 5, Old Town – Czech drama where former Czech president Vaclav Havel honed his skills as playwright a few decades ago. www.nazabradli.cz
Divadlo Spejbla a Hurvinka
Famous puppeteer Josef Skupa created in 1930 characters Spejbl & Hurvinek. Theatre mainly for children. Address: Dejvicka 38, Prague 6. www.spejbl-hurvinek.cz
Divadlo v Celetne
Performances of Czech drama and some foreign plays but only in the Czech language. Location: Celetna 17, Old Town. www.divadlovceletne.cz
Kolowrat Theatre
In close vicinity of the National Theatre, the New Stage was the home stage of the multimedia theatre LATERNA MAGICA. Performances of this theatre skillfully combine film with ballet and take spectators to the world of imagination and dreams. Location: Prague 1, Národní 4. Box-office and ticket reservations: Mon-Sat 10:00 – 20:00.
Prague State Opera
Operas are usually performed in the original language. Address: Prague 1, Wilsonova 4; Box-office and ticket reservations: Mon-Sat 10:00 – 20:00. (read more)
Divadlo Palace
Black Light Theatre. Visitors of Prague have new possibility how to spend a free evening within Prague holidays. At the Wenceslas Square (Arcade Jalta), you can find a brand new, completely reconstructed black-light theatre called Divadlo Palace, performing a play called The Colour Dreams of Dr Frankenstein. The horror story was transformed into an amusing story about a mad scientist trying to fulfil his dream of creating an artificial human being. The performance uses tricks of black-light theatre and 3D technology. Thanks to modern technologies, the audience falls into the middle of the action, performer appears above the audience’s heads. All these tricks make the performance unforgettable. Among Place Theatre performers, you can find a breakdance world champion, an artist from the Moscow Cirk and many other outstanding personalities. Convenient central location of the theatre ensures easy access. Location: Venceslas Sq. 43, Praha 1. website
ImageTheatre
Black Theatre, Pantomime & Modern Dance, tickets 400 CZK. (read more)
Svanadovo Theatre
Selected performances with EN subtitles. www.svandovodivadlo.cz
Reduta Theatre
Theatre of Jiri Srnec, founder of Prague’s original black light theatre, tickets from 370 CZK, website
Ta Fantastika
Blacklight theatre, tickets from 350 CZK (read more)
Divadlo Metro
Black theatre of Frantisek Kratochvil, tickets around 440 CZK. www.divadlometro.cz
Blacklight theatre Wow Show
This exciting show presents new attractions, and it is performed interactively with the audience. For example, in one of the scenes, six giant fluorescent balls descend from the ceiling, and the cheering audience pushes and rolls them from side to side. www.wow-show.com
Divadlo Broadway
Address: Na Porici 31, Praha 1, website