Letní Letná is going to be “Light” this year, yet offering an extensive Czech and international programme

Cirk La Putyka. Photo: Jiří Šeda.

“We couldn’t do otherwise, a summer without Letní Letná is not a real summer, and so we didn’t hesitate and immediately after the restrictions were lifted we started planning the 17^th edition of the festival in a lighter version. We will offer the best programme the current situation allows for and we will be happy to see people come and enjoy the shows, and also support the event,” says Jiří Turek, the director of Letní Letná. The festival will open with two shows performed by the Spanish Voalá company. The production of Voalá Station will teach the onlookers the “art of flying” even with their feet on the ground. A musical set in heaven creates compelling visual images using aerial acrobatics.

Another international company – Galapiat Cirque from France – is returning to Letní Letná after eight years with a world premiere. Czech audiences will be the first to see their new show L'âne et la carrote (The Donkey and the Carrot). “Through a series of circus numbers, one man tells his story of a circus artist. Thanks to his faithful helper he realizes that if you want to change the world, you have to change yourself first,” says Jiří Turek who saw a preview of the show in France before the outbreak of the pandemic.

The premiere of the documentary Ropewalker over Prague will be a reminder of last year’s extraordinary festival opening when the tightrope walker Tatiana-Mosio Bongonga crossed the Vltava River on a 350 meter-long rope suspended at the height of 35 meters. The screening of the documentary will be attended by the creators and will be free of charge.

The festival will also feature the best of Czech contemporary circus. For example, the Losers Cirque Company will present a special edition of their very first show The Loser(s) which kicked off their stellar career. Accompanied by the beatboxer EnDru, the artists will take us on a new circus journey full of acrobatic tricks, well or lesser known rhythms and the company’s characteristic humour.

Cirk La Putyka promises a circus expedition to pursue pure joy. Kaleidoscope was created during the COVID-19 pandemic and the result is a true “kaleidoscope” in which crazy jumps on a huge teeterboard combine with group dance choreographies, aerial acrobatics and trampoline tricks like colourful pieces of glass.

In addition, the Losers Cirque Company and Cirk La Putyka are preparing a surprise for the festival goers – a joint improvisation that can only be seen at Letní Letná Light. It will be a unique experience as it marks the very first creative encounter of the two leading Czech new circus companies.

VOSTO5 theatre’s Stard‘artní kabaret (Stand‘art Cabaret) also takes place here and now. The theatre and music improvised evening is a traditional component of the Letní Letná open-air programme. Same as Běžkařská odysea (Cross-country Skiing Odyssey) in which the always-ready Brothers in Trick hit the theatre track.  This year’s edition will be no exception. Both performances will be free of charge.

Although the festival line-up has been reduced, it still includes a number of accompanying events. Letní Letná Light does not forget young audiences who are regarded as full-fledged visitors to the festival. This year, they can enjoy two stages offering several performances a day. The children’s programme will consist of circus and art workshops, games, trips, various classes and an urban camp called Letní Letňák during which children will rehearse for a theatre play and perform it later at Letná Park.

The festival tradition of juggling days will continue with Open Air Juggling Show. Juggling lovers can look forward to an outdoor gala show. Various objects will be flying in the fresh air and artists will be giving excellent performances.

Letní Letná Light will also feature an interactive exhibition of Catalanian toys for children, a music stage with bands and DJs, as well as the traditional food zone and bars.

Source : Piaristi

Translated by Tereza Cigánková.