Josef Čapek, Karel Čapek

The famous allegorical morality play of the Čapek brothers, key figures of Czech interwar culture, needs no introduction. Precious few do not know at least the gist of the story of the Tramp who gets tired of people and decides to view them as insects, observing the ephemeral and superficial life of the Butterflies, the predatory and selfish Dung Beetles, Crickets and Flies, and the militant Ants vanishing en masse amid the frantic tempo of life.

The play was first performed in 1922 on two stages – at the National Theatre in Brno and, shortly afterwards, at the National Theatre in Prague. Since that time, the National Theatre has regularly returned to The Insect Play.

Drama in czech language
Photo: Martin Kámen
Duration of the performance: 2 hours and 15 minutes, 1 intermission

• Stage director: Daniel Špinar
• Sets: Henrich Boráros
• Costumes: Linda Boráros
• Light-design: Martin Špetlík
• Music: Petr Wajsar
• Choreography: Irina Andreeva
• Dramaturgy: Daria Ullrichová, Jan Tošovský