I am a Country
“The world need not be saved. It must be entertained!”
Basic information
The Estates Theatre
Approximate running time2 hours 20 minutes, no intermission
LanguageIn Czech
PremiereSeptember 8, 2020
The play presents a fairy tale of a kingdom whose people must murder one another before attaining well-being.
Cast
- 2024-2025
- 2025-2026
Creatives
About
Je suis un pays (I am a Country) is the first published play by Vincent Macaigne, a distinguished French actor, theatre and film director, screenwriter and playwright. Based on an eponymous production, which the artist presented to acclaim within a tour of Europe, it deals with the myth of the birth of a nation and state.
Telling a story of a kingdom and a family saga, the play begins when everyone wants to kill the ruler, symbolising a dictatorship whose knell rang long ago. Although set in an unknown country, an unknown monarchy, there are constant references to the contemporary world.
In his work, Macaigne employs quotations of Nicolas Sarkozy’s speeches and Thomas Bernhard’s plays, hints at Donald Trump, while mentioning perhaps all the countries on our planet. The land depicted in the play is fictitious and remote, but one that is dangerously connected with us. Macaigne reveals a society that is not capable of transforming, turning in a vicious circle of damnation and failure. The play features numerous pop songs, with its characters including charming journalists, debonair news presenters, as well as witty and smart politicians. In the final analysis: notwithstanding the topics being politics and the incorrigible human spirit, entertainment is essential.
Official photos: Petr Neubert
WARNING: We use strobe light, fire gun and vulgar language during the performance.
Suitable for audience from 16 years.
Share
Practical information
Where to buy tickets
When purchasing online, you can get an e-ticket. You can pick up printed tickets in person at the box offices of the National Theatre.
The National Theatre sells tickets up to 6 months in advance - currently for July–December 2025.
Sales always start on the 1st day of the month at 9am, except in January when pre-sales do not start until the 2nd day due to a public holiday.
What to wear?
By their appearance, attire and behaviour, the audience is obliged to adhere to the accustomed practice expected from them when attending a theatre performance.
Parking at the Estates Theatre
Unfortunately, there is no parking near The Estates Theater. You can use the guarded parking lot in the Kotva shopping center (Revoluční 1/655, Prague 1) and Paladium (Na Poříčí 1079 / 3a, Prague 1).
Buffets at the Estates Theater
No waiting. For your benefit, please pre-order your food and beverages at the bar to minimize waiting in the queue!
Menu (PDF, 60 kB)