School of Women

Činoherní studio’s production of Molière’s The School of Women, directed by Michal Hába, reimagines the classic comedy with a contemporary twist. The story follows Arnoulf, who attempts to mold his ideal wife, Agnès, within the confines of a literal inflatable castle – a playful nod to the phrase “my home is my castle.”
But, in the spirit of Molière’s playful logic, love enters the scene, and the whole plan is thrown into chaos by the dangerous force of female emancipation.
Everything must be played out! What, exactly? Everything!
This cheerful comedy garnered multiple awards at the 2025 Grand Festival of Laughter.

Awards

Five awards from the Grand Festival of Laughter 2025, presented by the East Bohemian Theatre in Pardubice, in the categories of Comedy of the Year, Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Direction, and the Young Audience Award.

About the company

Činoherní studio Ústí nad Labem is one of the Czech Republic’s most distinctive regional theatres, known for its bold artistic voice and commitment to socially engaged dramaturgy. Founded in 1972 as a response to the forced dissolution of the avant-garde Kladivadlo ensemble, it quickly carved out a unique position within Czech theatre – one defined by experimentation, a strong authorial voice, and politically resonant productions.

Over the decades, the theatre has collaborated with some of the most influential Czech directors and artists, including Jan Grossman, Evald Schorm, and Karel Kraus. Its hallmark has been a tightly-knit ensemble of actors who shaped a recognisable poetic style: intimate, raw, and emotionally precise. The ensemble included names like Jiří Bartoška, Karel Heřmánek, and Ivana Chýlková – figures who went on to become national icons.

Činoherní studio is located in the Střekov district, in a modest, industrial space that has fostered a sense of immediacy and authenticity. This raw aesthetic has become a part of its identity. Its repertoire balances reinterpretations of classical texts with contemporary Czech and international plays, often chosen for their relevance to current societal issues.

After a turbulent period in 2014, when the company briefly disbanded due to financial disputes with the city, it re-emerged with renewed purpose. In 2025 it has become the new artistic establishment of theatre, with cultural manager Michal Somoš as head director and Michal Hába – a radical and innovative director known for his politically incisive theatre – as artistic director. Under their leadership, the theatre continues to evolve, embracing a progressive, socially conscious direction that remains true to its roots in critical thought and ensemble work.

Michal Hába

Michal Hába, born in Prague in 1986, is a Czech theatre director known for his politically charged and socially conscious productions. A graduate of the Theatre Faculty of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague (DAMU), he further honed his craft through internships at Berlin’s Volksbühne and Maxim Gorki Theater. Hába is the founder and leader of the independent theatre collective Lachende Bestien, which focuses on leftist themes and critiques of capitalism and neoliberalism. His work is characterised by a blend of satire, provocation, and engagement with contemporary societal issues. In 2025, Hába was appointed as the artistic director of Činoherní studio, marking a new chapter in the theatre’s evolution.