Ungelt Theater to Stage Pulitzer Prize-Winning play “Strange Stories“
Table of Contents
The conversational drama Strange Stories explores the complex relationship between an experienced writer and a student who begins to surpass her. Prague’s Ungelt Theater will premiere the play by contemporary American playwright Donald Margulies, a Pulitzer Prize winner, next Saturday, December 13.
“In an intimate story about an intergenerational friendship between two women, Milena Steinmasslová and Štěpánka Ligas will meet on stage,” stated stage spokesperson Marek Podlaha. The drama, originally from 1996, earned Margulies a Pulitzer Prize nomination, which he ultimately received four years later. “It examines the dynamic and changing relationship between a teacher and her pupil over the course of six years.And in doing so, she questions whether an artist has the right to process someone else’s story,” Podlaha added. Šimon Dominik directed the production.
Strange Stories centers on Ruth, an acclaimed short story author who sacrificed her personal life for her work, with the exception of one notable episode, and Lisa, her student.Lisa learns the craft of writing under Ruth’s guidance. however, after publishing a successful collection, Lisa incorporates an event from her mentor’s life into a novel, sparking a moral dilemma about the boundaries of artistic license.
While the characters are fictional, the play draws inspiration from a real-life controversy. In 1994,English poet and novelist Stephen Spender accused his American colleague David Leavitt of “stealing” material from Spender’s autobiographical book World Within World for Leavitt’s novel While England Sleeps. Specifically, Spender pointed to detailed depictions of his efforts to help a former lover, a deserter from the Spanish Civil War, in the 1930s.
Leavitt acknowledged the inspiration but countered with a reflection on whether writing about others’ lives constitutes theft. “Six months ago, a famous writer accused me of stealing his life. I lost six months of mine because of it,” Leavitt wrote in a response also published by The New York Times. “That episode caught my eye and I couldn’t get it out of my head.”
Ungelt Theatre Celebrates 30 Years and Announces Continued Summer Performances
The Ungelt Theatre in Prague recently celebrated its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of theatrical innovation and performance. the theatre, inaugurated in 1995, has premiered nearly 90 productions and continues to draw large audiences with its summer stage performances at ungelt. this year, a record 34,600 spectators enjoyed shows at Nové Svět, benefiting from a new roof that ensured no performances were cancelled due to inclement weather. Pre-sale for the 2026 summer season is already underway.
A History of Innovation
Founded by principal Milan Hein and actor Miloš Kopecký,the Ungelt theatre quickly established itself as a vibrant part of prague’s cultural landscape. the theatre’s commitment to new works is evident in its extraordinary record of nearly 90 premieres over the past three decades. The theatre is currently highlighting 30 significant milestones in its history on its website. Learn more about the theatre’s 30th anniversary here.
Successful Summer Season at Nové Svět
The Ungelt Theatre’s summer stage at Nové Svět has become a popular destination for theatregoers. The 2024 season saw a record attendance of 34,600 visitors. A newly installed roof proved invaluable,protecting performances from the elements and ensuring a seamless experience for audiences. This investment allowed the theatre to maintain its performance schedule regardless of weather conditions.
Looking Ahead: 2026 and Beyond
The early start to pre-sales for the 2026 summer season demonstrates the continued popularity and anticipation surrounding the Ungelt Theatre’s performances. The theatre’s dedication to quality productions and its adaptability – as shown by the addition of the protective roof – position it for continued success in the years to come.
Key Takeaways:
* The ungelt Theatre celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2024.
* The theatre has premiered nearly 90 productions since its founding.
* A record 34,600 spectators attended summer performances at Nové Svět in 2024.
* A new roof ensured uninterrupted performances despite challenging weather.
* Pre-sale for the 2026 summer season is now open.
Keep reading