Prague dance company kicks off its 25th season this week

PONEC Theatre, a popular venue for contemporary dance in Prague, is gearing up for its 25th anniversary celebration in September. By offering a diverse lineup of world and Czech premieres, the theatre aims to attract dance enthusiasts of all ages. The opening of the new season, taking place from Sept. 5 to 16, will showcase the wide range of activities available at PONEC, catering to children, teenagers, and seniors alike.

The season will kick off with the premiere of Same Old Story, a music and dance production by Berg Orchestra and Eli et al. Inspired by an ancient Inuit legend, the performance explores the relationship between man and nature, incorporating recyclable materials into its set design. Another highlight of the month is the domestic premiere of Together Alone, a triptych choreographed by Czech-Ukrainian artist Yana Reutova, which has already received critical acclaim at the Kilowatt Festival in Italy.

Apart from the main performances, PONEC has curated a diverse program that caters to different audiences. Neényi, a sensory performance designed for toddlers and their families, will be showcased as part of the opening festival. The theatre is also participating in the Experience the City Differently (Zažít město jinak) festival with dance events in Krenovka. Furthermore, there will be engaging productions like Guide by Věra Ondrašíková, which are suitable for children aged eight and above.

One of the standout performances is F*cking Beautiful Spring by the Spitfire Company collective (which includes text in Czech, with an English translation that can be found in the program). Inspired by diverse musical influences, including the oratorio El Niño by John Adams, rap verses by Kae Tempest, and music from St. Petersburg collective Shortparis, this production promises to be a unique experience. With such an exciting and varied program, PONEC Theatre is set to captivate audiences in Prague throughout September.