Kafka: The Trial Premiere of the Czech National Ballet

The third premiere of the Czech National Ballet in the season 2018/2019 is a modern production created by a renowned Italian choreographer Mauro Bigonzetti. He draw inspiration from the famous novel The Trial (Proces) that Franz Kafka wrote in 1914.

Fascinated by the irresistible language of the novel, its traumatizing plot and still valid message as well as by the visual appeal of the Orson Welles film, Bigonzetti entered the dark world of Josef K. The Czech National Ballet presents a work of art that reminds us of the personality of Franz Kafka but also resonates with current political situation in the world.

The German-speaking Bohemian Jewish writer Franz Kafka is closely connected with Prague. Genius loci of the Old Town where he spent a great part of his life had a crucial impact on his work. His letters, diaries, short stories and existential novels belong to the most influential artworks of the 20th century. Franz felt estranged from his family, his health was poor, he was tortured by doubts and lack of self-esteem. His novels reflect this inner fight and open up profound existential questions. His characters find themselves in absurd situations they cannot control, become victims hopelessly searching for their true self and sense of security.

Kafka: The Trial (Kafka: Proces)
Choreography: Mauro Bigonzetti
Music: Antonio Bononcini, Dietrich Buxtehude, Henryk Górecki, Carlo Gesualdo, Tarquinio Merula, Claudio Monteverdi, Modest Mussorgsky
Sets: Carlo Cerri
Costumes: Mauro Bigonzetti
Light Design: Carlo Cerri
Projection: OOOPStudio
Czech Premiere: June 13, 2019
The Estates Theatre

Further performances: June 14, 16 and 18, July 1 and 2, 2019

Photo of the visual image: Anna Rasmussen
Hats for Kafka: The Trial from company TONAK a.s., traditional producer of hats already 220 years.