The Bacchae | Perform Czech

The young god Dionysus arrives in Thebes to initiate the city’s inhabitants into his cult. His passionate female followers, the Bacchae, revel in a strange ritual, indulging in orgies and falling into a state akin to madness. Their behaviour infuriates King Pentheus of Thebes, who confronts the stranger. Unfortunately, he has no inkling who his rival is, ignoring those around him who advise him to show humility. The arrival of a new god may not necessarily spell salvation, but it does signal the accession of a new order. Who’s right? Pentheus, who refuses to understand the impending change and strives to keep a firm grasp on the world, or Dionysus, the rabble rouser? Perhaps equilibrium can never hold sway without chaos.

About the company

The National Theatre Drama is the biggest company of its ilk in the Czech Republic. We strive to include works of the classical and contemporary Czech and international repertoire as well as original projects and Czech premieres in our programming. The productions are visually compelling and exquisitely staged. Our company prepares five to eight new productions a year, while also pursuing a host of accompanying activities, debates and educational programmes.