What's On in February

As we wave goodbye to the first month of 2012, we wanted to give you a few pointers for February – it may be the shortest month of the year, but there are still plenty of activities and events in the city to keep you busy!
For many, the 14th will be an important day to mark in the calendar. The celebration of love and affection between couples and sometimes even secret admirers can be enjoyed throughout the city regardless of your budget. An evening horse and carriage ride around the city’s old town square, or perhaps take a walk around the many quaint streets the city has to offer. Check www.praguewalks.com for some tips and inspiration.
For those wanting to get out of the city, Český Krumlov has a wide range of romantic settings and locations to make your 2012 Valentine’s Day a memorable one.  In Prague, traditional romantic restaurants include Kampa Park, Céleste (found at the top of the ‘Dancing House’), or the beautiful 16th century U Malířů, which are all perfectly intimate locations for you and your loved one.

Arts

February sees the continuation of the Middle East Europe exhibition. The exhibition (curated by Tamara Moyzes & Zuzana Štefková) takes a close look at European artists who have responded to the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict in direct confrontation with the works of their Palestinian and Israeli peers. The thought-provoking exhibition poses questions on problems in European anti-Semitism, cultural tensions in today’s Europe and the difference between art and activism. The project has an accompanying programme of film screenings with talks from Palestinian, Israeli and European artists, as well as peace activists. The Middle East Europe exhibition is an interesting and insightful project that we suggest visiting.

David LaChapelle’s exhibition at Galerie Rudolfinum showcases the prolific American photographer’s work over the past decade. The exhibition has striking images commenting on the different US lifestyles and trends that have grown in popularity over the years. Curated by Otto M. Urban, the show runs until February 26th and is a must see for LaChapelle fans as well as first timers. 

An exhibition of leading Czech landscapist Václav Radimský (1867-1946) will be taking place at Prague’s City Gallery. Radimský is one of the leading late 19th century and early 20th century artists influenced by Claude Monet. This will be his first solo exhibition. Since the late 1880s, Radimský lived in France, settling at Giverny near where he met Claude Monet and was influenced by his impressionistic paintings. He returned to the Czech Republic (Pašinka, near Kolín) after WWI where he focused on painting the river Labe and its surrounding countryside. This exhibition only runs until the 5th.

Music

Erika Fečová will be playing the riverside venue Jazz dock on February 26th. Enjoy an evening of live music and vocals from the talented singer/songwriter and her live band all for the very reasonable 150 CZK entrance fee. Jazz Dock is a great venue, in a relaxed setting with excellent sound – I highly recommend catching a live show there.

Joy Division’s Peter Hook will be playing Lucerna Music Bar on February 12th as part of his current European tour with The Light. The British-born Joy Division & New Order co-founder will be centering his Prague performance around Joy Division tracks in honour of the band and its front man, the late Ian Curtis. It’s an unmissable opportunity to see and hear the classic post –punk anthems played by an original band member. Tickets are 500 CZK in advance and 600 CZK on the door.

Keeping with the UK theme, relative newcomer Example will be playing Lucerna Music Bar on February 26th. Example’s unique style and humorous lyrics mirror that of his one-time artistic mentor Mike Skinner (The Streets) so expect lots of audience participation and banter from the 27-year-old performer.

Palác Akropolis also has plenty of great musical events happening this month. UK’s Hidden Orchestra will be performing in Akropolis’ main hall on February 24th. The atmospheric electronic Jazz collective have been gathering momentum and acclaim after their 2010 debut album Night Walks. Tickets for this event start at 270 CZK and are available from the Akropolis box office.

The 27th sees Georgian producer Natalie Beridze supporting the German songstress Dillon. Dillon’s dark brand of indie-pop catapulted her into 2011’s musical limelight. Her haunting lyrics and beautifully complex arrangements and production made for some of the most exciting pop music of 2011.

Dillon – This Silence Kills Medley (VIDEO)

Film

FilmBreak is a series of regular discussions with filmmakers covering subjects such as underground, theater and journalism and other discussion points related to documentary making. Guest speaker
Bretislav Rychlik will be on-hand to answer questions and shed light on the above subjects for attendees. Entrance to this event is 60 CZK, 40 CZK for students. Reservations can be made and more information found at tereza@dox.cz.

The seventh edition of the Spanish film festival La Película will be taking place from the 14th until the 17th. The festival taking place at Světozor cinema will showcase everything from neorealism to blockbusters. Twenty of the most influential and exciting films from Spain shown over 5 days in the city!

Sports/Health

Holmes Place, in corporation with Expats.cz, invite you head to either their Premium Anděl or Premium Karlín locations to experience their t Les Mills exercise classes. What better way to keep fit and meet new people! The next Holmes Place & Expats.cz event will take place on the 2nd of February. Check the events page listing for more information.

For sports and romance enthusiasts, make your way down to Štvanice stadium where a public ice skating rink awaits! The 15×30 metre rink has been set up by ČKD Chlazení and is open (10:30 – 21:30
daily) until the end of February. Hot & cold refreshments and skate hire available on site.

Business

The global ideas factory TED will be coming to Prague in March this year. Ahead of the fantastic main event, TED has scheduled a number of smaller pre-event sessions. February’s is a TEDxPrague Cinema session with publicist and teacher Petr Koubský. Petr will be talking to attendees on a number of subjects with some accompanying visuals and videos in English with Czech subtitles. This event will be taking place on Thursday the 16th from 20:30 at the Cinema Bio Oko (Františka Křížka 460/15, Prague 7). Event tickets are 100 CZK.
Advance tickets are currently available for the first ever AddEatersevent taking place in Roxy on the evening of the 2nd. The event will look at the best in advertising from around the world. Popular ads from established brands such as Adidas, Volkswagen & Durex will be among the many on show at the event which kicks off at 20:00. Tickets are available from Ticket Pro.

Food & Drink /Cultural Events/ Theatre

February also sees the third Grand Restaurant Festival, a festival supporting quality Czech gastronomy in association with 63 different restaurants across both Prague and the Czech Republic. The festival
will run until the 15th over 12 regions of the country. The food fest focuses on the use of local, seasonal ingredients and traditional recipes within the exciting menu. Check the Grand Restaurant Festival
website for more information on this exciting event!

From food to allegorical festivities, the Carnevale Praha will be taking place from the 10th-21st.  A celebration of traditional Czech plays and festivities which will take place in Prague’s public spaces, museums, galleries, theatres, schools, and also restaurants, shops, and workshops. Carnevale Praha will be a colourful and interesting showcase of the Czech Republic’s brilliant ideas, unique skills, and splendid creativity.

Families

Gotham city’s Dark Knight swoops into Prague’s O2 Arena for four nights of dynamic crime fighting from the 17th of February. Characters from the DC comic play parts in this visually stunning production, the adapted stories matched with live-action on an unprecedented scale makes for a totally innovative theatrical experience for all the family. More information on this production can be found here.

Drama classes and workshop are in no shortage this month with Stories in Action (Drama Classes for kids) and the Smoking Apples Theatre Company (UK) both opening their doors for budding thespians! The Smoking Apples Theatre company in association with the recently launched Prague Film & Theater Center will run an hour long workshop on the ins and outs of puppetry and ensemble work followed by a performance of their latest production: The Wordcatcher all for 350 CZK per person (this price includes entry to the workshop, performance and Q&A session with the Smoking Apples troupe) email info@pftc.cz for more information and to book. Registration for Stories in Action (kids drama courses) closes on the 13th. Be sure to sign up for the 15 class course which gives children the responsibility of directing, adapting and devising a story taken from various stimuli provided by the non-profit organization: Class Acts. More information can be found on the Class Act website: www.classacts.cz

Feel free to add any February events or links to the comment section below!