International Festival of Street Theater - Czech Republic

Near the Czech Vltava River, central Prague came alive with the International Festival of Street Theater, this year in its ninth event. More from our correspondents.

For three days, Kampa Park in central Prague is transformed into a theater, auditorium, and dressing room/ rehearsal space, for the International Festival of Street Theater -- Teatrotoc (pronunciation: Tae-aet-rot-otch).

Locals and tourists enjoy pantomimes, theater plays, puppet shows and juggling.

15 theater companies from 10 countries are participating.

[Miroslav Trejtnar,Organizer]:
"We have aimed for a family-focused event, outside on the streets of Prague or in the parks. Families can then spend a good part of the day with us. We also have children's workshops."

Usually, street-art in Prague is prohibited and considered as begging. A few high-class tourist spots are the only exceptions.

Puppet actor and student of alternative theatre, Tomas Behal, (pronunciation : Tomash Biehal) explains why the festival is so important.

[Tomas Behal, Puppet Actor]:
"During this festival is the only time I can perform on the street without complicated permits, and not be imprisoned for asking for donation money in my hat -- I appreciate this the most."

But there is more to the street performance.

[Eric Bornhorst, Juggler]:
"Every person who is performing on the street can see the immediate reaction; it's like an open stage."

After the pleasures of the theatrical experiences, parents and kids were given the chance to make their own puppets or toys and take home a piece of fun.

NTD News, Prague, Czech Republic.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• International
• Festival
• Street
• Theater
• Czech
• Republic
• Vltava
• River
• Kampa
• Park
• countries
• puppet
• juggling
• workshops
• performance