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25 – 29 May 2026 | Ostrava
Dramaturges, artistic directors, cultural managers, producers, theatre critics, researchers, and other performing arts professionals from abroad are invited to participate in the Hi PerformanCZ: Visitors’ Programme – Drama, Interdisciplinary, and Circus Productions.
The Hi PerformanCZ: Visitors’ Programme has been established as an intensive multi-day platform for international theatre professionals who wish to explore Czech performing arts through performances, lectures, and discussions. The aim of the programme is to provide deeper insight into the current Czech performing arts scene, foster international collaboration, and build professional connections between local and foreign stakeholders.
The programme also:
● Facilitates the direct exchange of experience and inspiration between international guests and Czech artists, curators, and institutions
● Connects Czech theatre with the international context, through both individual projects and institutional cooperation
● Opens global and local topics through broad dialogue
● Highlights the diversity of the Czech performing arts scene, across genres – including drama, dance, contemporary circus, and interdisciplinary work
● Supports long-term partnerships that can lead to co-productions, translations, international tours, or artist residencies
We’re looking for participants who are:
● Engaged and ready to share feedback
● Interested in building partnerships with Czech artists and institutions
● Open to writing a short reflection after the programme, if possible
Selected participants will be provided with free accommodation, entry to performances, and access to accompanying programmes. Come and see performances with English subtitles, discussions with artists and production teams, lectures, presentations, and visits to venues in Ostrava.
Ostrava is the third-largest city in the Czech Republic and has long been one of the most prominent cultural centres outside Prague. With its industrial past and significant experience of transformation, it now symbolizes dynamic change and the ability to transform industrial heritage into vibrant cultural spaces.
Dream Factory Ostrava is a theatre festival focused on contemporary drama and progressive stage forms. Founded in 2008, it has over the years established a strong position as one of the most prominent showcases of contemporary theatre in the Czech Republic.
Submit your application via the form: HERE
Application deadline: March 22nd
The programme is organised by PerformCzech and the Dream Factory Ostrava Festival, in collaboration with the Czech AICT Centre and several prominent Czech theatres and ensembles.
Contact: Barbora Formankova barbora.formankova@nipk.cz Organiser: PerformCzech, AICT-IATC Czech Centre Partner: Dream Factory Ostrava
Programme
Monday, 25 May
18:30 – Shooting Heda Gabler / Drama Klub
Tuesday, 26 May
Morning programme / Tour of the National Moravian-Silesian Theatre
16:00 – Love, an Argumentative Exercise / Letí Theatre
18:30 – An Enemy of the People / Petr Bezruč Theatre
(Critics’ Poll Best 2025, divadelni.net + Divadelní noviny – Best Performance, 1st place)
Wednesday, 27 May
Morning programme / Tour of the City Gallery of Contemporary Art PLATO
Afternoon programme / TBD
18:30 – My Struggle: A Man in Love / Theatre on the Balustrade
(Radosti roku: Critics’ Poll, divadelni.net 2025 – Best Performance, 3rd place, Best Actor – Miloslav König, 6th place.)
Thursday, 28 May
Morning programme – TBD
Afternoon programme – Guided Tour of the Dolní Vítkovice Industrial Site
Evening programme / Carpe(t) Diem Reloaded / Move Ostrava
Friday, 29 May
10:30 – The Bouquet / Puppet Theatre Ostrava
Individual departure
(Programme is subject to change)
