Kafka

Markéta Pimek Habalová

The Národní divadlo Brno Ballet opened its season 25/26 with the premiere of the ballet Kafka, paying tribute in dance to this literary genius on the centenary of his death. The contemporary ballet was created by choreographer Markéta Pimek Habalová, also known for her beloved production of Cinderella. 

The name Franz Kafka has become a symbol of mystery and existential anxiety, yet his stories and questions never lose their relevance. A striking phenomenon of recent years has been the unexpected popularity of Kafka’s work among the younger generation – the hashtag dedicated to the writer accumulated over 139 million views on TikTok, suggesting that contemporary readers perceive his work less as a prophetic expression of existential horror and more as a sharp-eyed look at the absurdity of modern life. 

Rather than offering yet another interpretation of his writings, the creators focused on selected moments from Kafka’s family and intimate life – the relationships that shaped him, the tension between duty and desire, between family and freedom – presenting him as an ordinary person, stripped of the legend of the dark recluse. 

The production was exceptional in its collaborative approach: Habalová worked alongside choreographers Barbora Rašková and Glen Lambrecht, who gave form to The Metamorphosis and The Trial, offering audiences multiple perspectives on Kafka’s personality and work within a single evening. The production also marked the first time all dancers from the main company, the junior NdB 2, and the NdB 3 project appeared together on stage. 

 

Premiere October 24th 2025, Janáček Theatre
Concept, Choreography and Direction Markéta Pimek Habalová
Choreographers Barbora Rašková (The Metamorphosis), Glen Lambrecht (The Trial)
Hudba / Music Nils Frahm, Philip Glass, Max Richter, Caroline Shaw, Alfred Schnittke
Stage Design David Janošek
Costume Design Pavel Knolle
Light Design Jakub Julínek
Ballet Masters Ivona Jeličová, Thoriso Magongwa, Uladzimir Ivanou
Musical Collaboration Petr Duchalík

Duration of performance 2 hours, intermission after first act

  • “Choreographer Markéta Pimek Habalová has created a truly unique directorial concept for the ballet "Kafka." This compelling dance performance unfolds in a contemporary movement language of her own invention. Her choreography explores episodes from Franz Kafka's life: his family with an authoritarian father, his friendship with Max Brod, his relationship with Felice Bauer, his work at an insurance company, as well as his illness and his relationship with Dora Diamant. By placing Kafka at the center of attention both as a person and as a writer, the performance not only immerses itself in moments from his life, but also draws the audience into his literary world, weaving two of his most famous works into seamlessly flowing scenes. Arthur Abram was outstanding in the title role. He convincingly portrayed Kafka's inner struggles, his mental and physical suffering under the influence of a despotic father, his conflicted feelings for Felice, and his complete surrender to the compulsion to write — all delivered with powerful physical expression.“ Graham Watts

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