The personality and work of Franz Kafka inspires and provokes expression from creators of many artistic genres, literary scholars and experts, as well as a broad readership, and not only during the period of heightened interest around the centenary of the writer’s death. His work has gained enormous popularity and recognition, his stories full of absurdity and existential questions have influenced modern literature and film. Kafka is today considered one of the most significant writers of the 20th century, and his work and life remain a source of inspiration and exploration for generations of readers, literary critics, and artists across genres.

Franz Kafka has also become an inspiration for the creation of an original full-length dance performance choreographed and directed by Markéta Pimek Habalová. Her concept brings to the stage a dance work with symbolic and emotional expression, whose central element is Kafka both as a person and as a writer. On one hand, the audience will immerse themselves in his personal life, which was full of contradictions, inner struggles, and the search for his own identity. On the other hand, we will also transport ourselves into the world emerging from his literary texts, such as The Metamorphosis or The Trial. The experienced choreographer, who has an affinity for narrative and directorial approaches to dance productions, will collaborate on the production with other creators, Barbora Rašková and Glen Lambrecht, who have previously participated in projects by Ballet NdB 2. Kafka’s personality, his work and life, provide rich inspirational material for a production that will be not only a tribute to this writer, but also a presentation of the Ballet NdB ensemble as a three-generational project. The production will include artistic performances by dancers from the main company, the junior NdB 2, and personalities from the upcoming NdB 3 project.

Music: Phillip Glass, Caroline Shaw, Nils Frahm, Max Richter, Alfred Schnittke

Premiere: October 24, 2025 at Janáček Theatre

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