Festival opening at Nebenan/Vedle

As part of the “Nebenan” series, HELLERAU regularly presents contemporary theater, dance performances, installations, and an accompanying program of discussions from countries and regions in Europe where independent artists work under difficult political conditions. Following Belarus (2022), Ukraine (2023), Hungary (2024), and Slovakia (2025), HELLERAU will focus on the independent performing arts scene in the Czech Republic in 2027.

The Czech Republic has a rich theatrical landscape that has evolved over time, featuring ensemble theaters, Czech drama, musical theater, and the world-famous puppet and marionette theater. In recent decades, a highly diverse scene of independent theater and performance art, contemporary dance, and circus arts has developed. This vibrant scene is reflected in a multitude of artistic projects and institutional ties to production houses, guest performance venues, and festivals.

Following the performance of “Runners” by the theater group Cirk La Putyka, we cordially invite you to a reception to mark the opening of the festival.