Czech culture this week: Film noir at a castle and wine in the garden

Three artists present new works in the group show Prey Spray Scene Mean. It is the third of four curated shows at Kurzor Gallery. the opening party is Aug. 16 at 6 p.m., and the show runs to Sept. 25.

As part of the Void exhibition at Galerie Rudolfinum, you can hear Music for Void, a piece composed specifically to complement the art. The group Affogato & Friends other with composer and bassoonist Martin Petrák will be in the gallery's Hall No. 2 on Aug. 18 at 6 p.m. As with the exhibition itself, admission is free.

Time is running out to see Badiucao: Made in China, which is at DOX until Aug. 28. Artist and activist Badiucao began his career on social media, and has been critical of censorship and other policies of the Chinese government.

Movie Barf Monday, at Edison Filmhub on Aug. 15, offers the documentary Fire of Love followed by a discussion with a geologist. The film, which has a 99 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, uses archival footage to explore the career of two volcano researchers.

The National Theatre Live series of plays from Britain presents Jodie Comer in Suzie Miller’s award-winning play Prima Facie. It screens at kino Svěozor on Aug. 16 at 8:30 p.m. The story involves a lawyer who finds herself confronted with challenging decisions. Comer played the lead role in the spy series "Killing Eve."

The classic cult film Trainspotting is at CAMP on Aug. 16 at 9 p.m. Ewan McGregor, Jonny Lee Miller, Robert Carlyle, and Kelly Macdonald all shot to fame for their roles in this darkly comic tale of heroin addicts in Scotland. Free admission.

Perhaps a food court isn't the best place to see The Exorcist. The 1973 head-spinning and vomit-spewing horror film is at the Food Truck Point in the Prague Market (Pražská tržnice) on Aug. 17 at 8:30 p.m.

See two horror films by Jordan Peele back to back at Bio Oko on Aug. 18. His break through "Get Out" is at 6 p.m. and new film "Nope" is at 8:30.

The Film Noir Festival moves to Český Šternberk Castle for its 10th year. It takes place Aug. 17–21. the focus is on blacklisted talent, directors Edgar G. Ulmer and David Fincher, and films from Spain.

Award-winning casting director Nancy Bishop launches her new book Auditioning for Film and TV: a Post #METOO Guide at Divadlo Na Prádle on Aug. 17. There will also be an informal chat about auditioning. All proceeds from sales of the book will go to the charity LYGIAI that provides female health care to victims of the Ukrainian War.

Velvet Comedy has four events to put you in a good mood. Monday Open Mic on Aug. 15 at Ty kávo, Velvet Comedy Show at Czech Inn Bar on Aug. 16, Drinks Over Troubled Water is at River Rink Karlín on Aug. 16. Kontakt Comedy Night open mic at Kontact Bar on Aug. 18.

The 19th edition of the new circus festival Letní Letná runs to Aug. 31 at circus tents in Letná park. Many but not all of the events have no language barrier. Headline acts this year come from Sweden, Spain, France, New Zealand, the U.S., and Finland. There is also a side program dedicated to children.

The nonverbal show Buenos Aires, Final Destination! is at the summer stage in Grébovka on Aug, 15, at the grotto. The dance performance tells the stories of people who emigrated to Argentina and helped to invent the tango.

A dozen stalls with traditional foods as well as some souvenirs make up the Summer Market (Letní trhy). It runs from Aug. 12 to 28 at náměstí Republiky.

Celebrate Pinot Noir Day (Den Rulandského modrého) at the Botanical Garden on Aug. 18. The grape variety, known locally as rulandské modré, traces its history here back to the time of Emperor Charles IV. People will be able to taste different wines at the terrace of the wine shop.

Taste wine from the whole world on Střelecký ostrov on Aug. 19 and 20. Wines from New Zealand, South Africa, Canada, Georgia, Sicily, France, Austria, Portugal, and Slovakia will be presented. There will also be some competitions, food and entertainment.

With pandemics on the rise, it is easy to forget that the battle against cancer is still ongoing. Aug. 18 is World Breast Cancer Research Day. You can find out more about the current state of affairs on the event website.

Aug. 19 is International Bow Day. The bowtie as a fashion accessory traces its roots to Croatian cavalry in the 17th century. Their uniforms inspired an international craze for "cravats," which evolved into the white tie and black tie of formal wear. For women, the bow as a fashion accessory dates to the Middle Ages, when new types of looms made ribbons easily accessible.

American blues guitarist and singer Seasick Steve is known for his 2008 album "I Started Out with Nothin and I Still Got Most of It Left" and 2015's "Sonic Soul Surfer." You can hear him at Lucerna Music Bar on Aug. 15.

Arnold de Boer of the Dutch band the Ex has an acoustic solo project called Zea. The sound has been compared to Syd Barrett. He will perform at Punctum on Aug. 16.

Canadian instrumental band BadBadNotGood plays sometimes psychedelic alt jazz group also has a bit of hip hop influence. The trio will be at divadlo Archa on Aug. 16. their most recent album, 2021's "Talk Memory" made several lists as one of that year's best

English indie rock band Arctic Monkeys will warm up the crowd at Výstaviště Holešovice on Aug. 18. All of the band's six studio albums hit the number one spot on the UK charts. They performed their hit "I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor" at the opening of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

Philadelphia native Juwana Jenkins will sing soul hits and original material at the Fitzgerald Theatre on Aug. 18. She also has appeared as an actress, with a cameo in the film "The Devil's Mistress" (Lída Baarová) and appearances in the TV series "Das Boot" and "Legends."

American indie rock band Bright Eyes released their first album in nine years in 2020. "Down in the Weeds, Where the World Once Was" earned three and a half stars from Rolling Stone magazine and four stars from NME. They will shine at Lucerna Music Bar on Aug. 17.

Electronic dance music festival Mácháč celebrates its 20th anniversary on Aug. 18–20, at Máchovo jezero.