‘Leaving’ Marks Havel’s Return

This weekend commemorated Václav Havel’s return, after nearly two decades, to the Czech stage with his new play Odchazeni (Leaving). Touted as Europe's most eagerly awaited theatre event of the year, Havel, who served as the Czech Republic’s president from 1989-2003, was typically low-key and did not make any grand speeches. Instead, the audience at Prague's Archa theatre heard recordings of the distinct gravelly voice of Havel interrupting the drama at regular intervals. Click here for a print article and audio.