A Season of Reflection and New Beginnings

Prague’s esteemed Ungelt Theater is gearing up for a momentous occasion: its 30th anniversary. The celebrations will reach their peak on October 2nd, marking three decades of theatrical excellence. As part of the Jubilee season, the theater is set to premiere a new comedy, “The Bench,” adding to its extraordinary repertoire of 84 productions.

“The Bench“: Where Corporate Burnout Meets Senior Irritability

The play “The Bench” promises to deliver a humorous take on an everyday scenario. The narrative revolves around a conflict over seating space between Joe, a weary corporate employee, and Sandy, a somewhat grumpy senior citizen. The production will feature Petr Stach and Miroslav Hanuš, under the direction of Vít Vencl.

Inspiration from a Scottish Commemorative Bench

Playwright Mcallister found inspiration for “The Bench” during a Christmas visit to his wife’s parents in Gourock, Scotland.He recounts an experience with a commemorative bench so laden with tributes that it was rendered unusable.

It was no longer a bench. The function for which they suggested it has changed significantly.

Mcallister, Playwright

This observation sparked the idea for the comedy, solidifying Mcallister’s reputation as a playwright after his initial fame as a stand-up comedian. This transition highlights a growing trend of comedians venturing into playwriting, bringing fresh perspectives and humor to the stage. For exmaple, Mike Birbiglia’s success on Broadway with his one-man shows demonstrates the potential for comedians to excel in theatrical storytelling.

Ungelt Theater: A Legacy of Excellence

Ungelt Theater has become a cultural cornerstone in Prague, known for showcasing the talents of the Czech Republic’s finest actors. The theater’s bar proudly displays four Thalia Awards, accolades earned by Alena Vránová, Marta Kubišová, Vilma cibulková, and Richard Krajča, a testament to the high caliber of performances gracing its stage.

Remembering the Founder and a Guiding Light

The private theater was inaugurated in October 1995 by principal Milan Hein, with the encouragement of actor Miloš Kopecký. Hein recalls Kopecký’s enthusiastic support:

When I had the idea of ​​opening the theater, Milos Kopecky stood at the wise. He was eating me vigorously: go ahead! So I went. Unfortunately, only four months after opening milos left us forever. Every year, October 2, I send him a message to Heb.

Milan Hein, Principal

Kopecký’s untimely passing shortly after the theater’s opening serves as a poignant reminder of the theater’s history and the individuals who shaped its identity.

Exploring Ungelt’s History Online

To commemorate its 30th anniversary, Ungelt Theater has launched a dedicated website that chronicles thirty important milestones in its history. The website offers a complete look at the theater’s journey, from its founding and first tour to the establishment of its summer stage and highlights of its most memorable productions.

A Curated Journey Through Three Decades

Art director Pavel Ondruch emphasizes the website’s depth and detail:

We have carefully selected events that had a major impact on the advancement of theater. It is not only a point list of milestones, but a varied series of detailed stories and photographs.All of them can go through Ungelt for 30 years.

pavel Ondruch,Art Director

The website provides an immersive experience,allowing visitors to delve into the rich history and evolution of Ungelt Theater.

Looking Ahead: Performances and Charity Events

Located in Prague’s Old Town, Ungelt Theater will continue its season until mid-September. The schedule includes a charity evening featuring the tragicomedy “Two,” starring Bára Hrzánová and Jaromír Dulava, as well as performances of “The Hen on His Back” with Tatiana and Vojtěch Dyk, “All the Wonderful Things” with Richard Krajč, “Trout” with Pavel Liška, and “Dating with a Feminist.”