The Power of the Powerless is an exceptional co-production by the Drama Departments of the National Theatre in Prague and the Slovak National Theatre, in collaboration with the ND Young platform. This original production, featuring 13 young people – boys and girls from the Czech Republic and Slovakia – is loosely inspired by the core message of Václav Havel’s iconic essay. To resist apathy and refuse to feel powerless in pursuing our ideals and engaging in civic activities, even in adverse circumstances – not only social ones. To bring a human dimension and a sense of commitment to seemingly formal relationships and processes, with conviction, enthusiasm and courage. If Dubček’s motto was “Socialism with a human face”, Havel’s message could loosely be phrased as “Democracy with human substance”. The contemporary context is naturally articulated through the creative works of talented young people who underwent a demanding selection process at the very beginning of the project. The project’s uniqueness – giving the younger generation the space they deserve to express their feelings and views creatively – also lies in the methodology behind its preparation. The production, directed by exceptional theatre professionals, took a whole year to create, with the team rehearsing at workshops in the Czech Republic and Slovakia; the result is an extraordinary statement and confession by young people on issues of fundamental importance to them, such as their relationship with their homeland, the environment, commercialised and manipulative media coverage, exposing misinformation on social media, and the question of whether to conform to or resist gender stereotypes. The young people’s articulation of these themes, problems and personal convictions often takes the form of satire and defiance, yet it is surprisingly hopeful and positive. Running through all their testimonies is a profound attachment to home, folklore and family, as well as a desire to participate in community and public life. The performance brings together spoken word, movement and music in an original theatrical montage.

 

The Power of the Powerless is proof that freedom and democracy are the oxygen of society as a whole, but also of the intimate lives of those who are, quite naturally, our future and our hope. We believe that the exceptional nature of this project, strongly connected to the enduring ties between our two nations and cultures, will offer an artistic experience and a surprise for audiences of all generations.

 

The production will run for an entire season in both Prague and Bratislava.

 

Running time is indicative, as the dress rehearsal is still due for the production.

Première ND 18. 9. 2027, Prague Crossroads, Church of St Anne