Esther Bol: Infrared

"I watched those two axolotls moving around, lying there in my palms like that, and I felt like a god."

Six characters, six ruined countries, six grotesque stories of escape, survival, and pretence. The sole prize for the television contest winner - US citizenship. MeetFactory theatre presents the world premiere of a new text by Russian-French author Esther Bol (Crime, Mama) directed by Martina Frejová Krátká.

In "Infrared", the audience follows a popular reality show where in the infrared spectrum - that is, beneath the surface of things - it becomes clear what Ashti, a scientist from a country ruled by religious fundamentalists, is hiding, what Meran, a street artist condemned on the Balkans for terrorism, is willing to become, and what the pregnant contestant Oksana sacrifices for victory. Dark humour and cynical distribution of likes compete with a genuine desire for a better life across the ocean.

The author completed the play in summer 2025. Starring Annette Nesvadbová, Tereza Chytilová, Klára Suchá, Hynek Chmelař, Jan Jankovský, and Faraz Alam.

Following the performance on 20 September, there will be a discussion with author Esther Bol and translator Marina Feltlová.