Czech culture this week: Sing along to Figaro or Karel Gott

Contemporary creators| Several exhibitions open to the public on Dec. 6 at the Trade Fair Palace: 1956–1989: Architecture for All, Eva Koťátková: My body is not an island and ATLAS: Creation studio and laboratory for associative dreaming. The ATLAS project offers freely connected individual zones completed with works of art by contemporary authors.

The permanent exhibition Eva Koťátková: My body is not an island consists of an installation that, every Saturday afternoon, will be inhabited and activated by female performers who will share with the public the various stories. Also a permanent exhibition, 1956⁠–⁠1989: Architecture for all focuses on architecture and lifestyle between 1956⁠–⁠1989. 

Tomography and art | An interdisciplinary project dedicated to the computed tomography method in the exploration of works of ancient art opens on Dec. 6 at the National Gallery Prague - Convent of St. Agnes. In depth and on the surface explains in detail why and how the selected works were examined using the computed tomography method. The exhibition includes an open children's studio, inspired by the theme of art exploration.

Non-figurative mirrors | Two exhibition open on Dec. 8 in the multicultural space SmetanaQ: Kaleidoscope Fragment by Ira Svobodová and Lu Jindrák Skřivánková, and Mirroring by Lu Jindrák Skrivánková. The two painters approach non-figurative painting in completely different ways, which are thoughtful order and expressive gesture. The second exhibition is in front of the façade of the SmetanaQ house.

Love and food | Watch the Christmas classic Love Actually (in English, with Czech subtitles) at Manifesto Eat in Film on Dec. 7. Heaters and blankets available for visitors, and if you warm up, you can treat yourself to hot meals from 14 restaurants or enjoy hot cocktails from the SOOT bar. If you reserve a ticket, you will receive a standard welcome drink, a carafe of water, and something small to snack on.

Coming-of-age drama | Loosely based on director Steven Spielberg's childhood, The Fablemans is currently screening in cinemas across the city, including Kino Aero on Dec. 6, Kino Světozor on Dec. 8, and Bio Oko on Dec. 9. Its cast includes Michelle Williams, Paul Dano, Seth Rogen, and a cameo from silver screen legend David Lynch.

Trip to Africa | The performance Afrikania tells the story of an exotic holiday through the newest black theatre technique, non-traditional costumes and professional dancing. Following its premiere on Dec. 3, the visually compelling performance has several shows throughout the month of December at the Image Theater.

Figaro's adventures | Gioachino Rossini's opera The Barber of Seville plays at the National Theater on Dec. 6 (in Italian, with subtitles in Czech and English). The acclaimed comedic opera, which is known for its catchy tunes, follows Count Almaviva and his witty servant Figaro plotting to win the heart of the fair Rosina, who caught the eye of the count.

Birth of a kindgom| French director Vincent Macaigne's I am a Country (in Czech, with subtitles in English and French) plays on Dec. 6 at the Estates Theatre (Stavovské divadlo). The play blends the history of a fictitious, unnamed kingdom with a family saga that mixes references to the contemporary world, such as hints at Donald Trump and quotes from former French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s speeches.

Vampires in Prague | The theatrical adaption of the "Let the Right One In" cult novel by Swedish writer John Ajvide Lindqvist plays on Dec. 9 at the Švandovo divadlo na Smíchově (in Czech, with English subtitles). The story is on the border between a Nordic detective story, a vampire romance and a psychological drama.

Place, time and music | In collaboration with EuroArt Praha, and with the participation of the Autoclub of the Czech Republic, the organization Open House Praha is holding a concert on Dec. 7 to celebrate Czech architect Pavel Janák and Czech composer Bohuslav Martinů. Unity of Place and Time in Music sees the Stamic Quartet perform compositions by Janák’s contemporaries – Bohuslav Martinů, Vítězslav Novák, and Josef Suk – at the clubhouse of the Autoclub of the Czech Republic.

Sound and shapes | The first collaboration between the Prague Quiet Music Collective and the Prague Capital Gallery opens on Dec. 9 with a concert at the the House U Kamenné zvonu. Five Uncertain Situations brings together original works, newly created scores and recordings, as well as shapes illuminated by sound, situational uncertainty, and a web of relationships stretched across time.

Karel Gott forever | Listen and sing along to Karel Gott hits at the jukebox musical "Roses' Season" on Dec. 9 and 10 at the Karlin Musical Theatre. The pop star wrote pages of Czech music history, and was honored by the Czech government with a national day of mourning, when the flags on the state offices and institutions would fly at half mast, for his passing in 2019.