Ancient Štvanice 2026: Alcestis

Each year at the start of the theatre season, the island of Štvanice transforms into an open-air stage. Twelve evenings, one story, no repeats. The outdoor event "Ancient Štvanice" brings ancient drama back to the landscape, into the air, into the night.

King Admetus has the chance to send someone else to die in his place - and takes it without much thought. The only one willing to sacrifice herself is his wife Alcestis. All the consequences of this swap with death unfold at the moment when Alcestis is already choosing a dress for her coffin, spreading sandwiches for the wake, writing her final farewell, and swallowing poison. Some will read her act as selfless love, others as a chance to escape her family, still others as madness that must be prevented.

Playwright Matěj Samec and composer Matouš Hejl create a new adaptation of this forgotten tragedy as a melodrama. The directing and dramaturgy are handled by the duo Ivo Kristián Kubák and Marie Nováková. The production is created in co-production with the ensemble Tygr v tísni and Divadlo VILA Štvanice.

Warning: The production deals with themes of self-sacrifice, death, and suicide. Recommended age 12+.

The event includes traditional Agoras - public discussions with experts and the creative team, admission free. Performances take place under the open sky on the western tip of Štvanice island. Any cancellation due to weather is decided by 18:30 on the day of the performance. More information on the "Ancient Štvanice" website.