Havel's Meditation on Art and Power

Check out the Saturday profile in the NYTimes on Vaclav Havel here. It's discusses his semi-autobiographical, King Lear-esque play called Leaving.

And what, if anything, disappoints Mr. Havel about the state of contemporary capitalist culture? “I do not like the ads on the shirts of hockey or football players,” he said. “You’d think Coca-Cola is playing against Pepsi-Cola.”

‘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.

Prague's Arts Funding Crisis

The current trend of funding cuts continues around the globe. This time it’s Prague. Not-for-Profit arts organizations have never had an easy relationship with City Hall, but after months of waiting for delayed grants, arts groups were shocked to discover that they were receiving less money, if any at all. Arts groups (pictured) have started a petition and protest, calling for the resignation of certain city officials and proposing drastic policy changes. Click here to read more from 'The Prague Post'.