...next wave... 2026 Brno

The festival ...next wave... has operated since 1994 as a platform for presenting theatrical, musical, dance, visual, and other alternative work. It takes place annually in September and October in Prague and Brno, and also organizes theatre excursions. The Brno portion will run from October 10-12, 2026.

The festival attracts peripheral or underground phenomena and crosses genre boundaries - encompassing happenings, action art, installations, performance, site-specific work, multimedia, social theatre, rituals, and ceremonies. It emphasizes dramaturgical coherence, premiere projects, and engaged political theatre. The festival initiates new projects, supports young progressive artists across disciplines, and presents unconventional cultural spaces. Founded by Jan Dvořák, the festival has been curated and artistically directed by Lenka Dombrovská since its twentieth season.

Since 2003, the festival annually awards recognition to significant figures, projects, discoveries, and achievements in independent and alternative theatre - recognition that, alongside festival presentation, helps shape the Czech theatrical underground.

The festival ...next wave... is a recipient of the Czech Theatre DNA 2024 award for exceptional long-term contribution, development, and support of new theatre and live culture. The award is presented by Nová síť as part of the Malá inventura festival.