The goal of our night? A rare opportunity to experience classic Czech culture firsthand, as we attended an English-language performance of Václav Havel’s The Increased Difficulty of Concentration.
Divadlo v Celetné, tucked away on one of Prague's oldest streets, is a true staple of the city’s independent theatre scene. Its atmosphere makes you feel like you are a part of the story unfolding on stage. And there could be no better story to dive into than one written by Václav Havel. Before becoming the leading figure of the Velvet Revolution and the revered President of the country, Havel was a masterful playwright and a pioneer of the Theatre of the Absurd.
The Increased Difficulty of Concentration perfectly showcases Havel’s sharp philosophical wit. The play drops the audience into the chaotic, fragmented life of Dr. Eduard Huml, a social scientist trying to juggle his philosophical writings and a highly complicated romantic life.
Simultaneously, Huml is participating in a scientific study where he must answer questions posed by a strange machine named Puzuk. The researchers are attempting to scientifically map human personality, which reveals the central irony of the play: Huml is an expert at studying humanity, yet he completely fails to understand himself.
The actor portraying the main character delivered a stellar performance, perfectly capturing the frantic, bewildered, and hilarious essence of a man whose life is spiraling out of his control. The comedic timing was flawless, perfectly delivering Havel's signature absurdity.
We are thrilled that our academics could share this remarkable piece of Czech heritage with us. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us! We highly recommend keeping an eye out for more English-friendly theatre performances in Prague - it is an experience you won't want to miss.
