Daniela Špinar Returns to Klicperovo Theatre with “Portrait of a Lady”

Hradec Králové’s Klicperovo Theatre is set to premiere a new adaptation of Henry James’s classic novel, “Portrait of a Lady,” directed by Daniela Špinar. The production marks Špinar’s return to the theatre after a decade, following her 2013 premiere of Václav Havel’s “The Beggar’s Opera.”

A Timeless Tale of Freedom and Choice

“Portrait of a Lady” centers on Isabel Archer, a young American woman who inherits a substantial fortune and travels to Europe in search of freedom and self-discovery. The play explores themes of love, money, societal expectations and the complexities of female identity.

Špinar, known for her distinctive approach to classic literary adaptations, brings her unique artistic vision to James’s iconic work. According to a theatre spokesperson, the production delves into the “deep insight into the thoughts of the heroine together with the honest character detailing of the other not only female characters is still remarkable for its complexity and magnificence.”

Cast and Creative Team

Terezie Hájková stars as Isabel Archer, with Daniel Krečmar, Martin Klapil, and Tomáš Kobr portraying her significant suitors. The cast also includes Filip Richtermoc, Martina Nováková, Kamila Sedlárová, Štěpánka Todorová, and Pavel Prais.

The creative team features Eva Jiřikovská as the screenwriter, Adéla Vondráková as the dramaturg, Linda Boráros as the costume designer, Kateřina Hilská as the translator, and Karlos Šimek as the lighting designer.

Premiere and Performance Details

The Czech premiere of this adaptation will be held on February 21st on the Main Stage of Klicperovo Theatre. Additional performances are scheduled for February 25th and 28th.

Notably, the production includes the use of cigarettes onstage and features brief, intense lighting effects, which may not be suitable for individuals sensitive to such stimuli.

Henry James and the Enduring Legacy of “Portrait of a Lady”

Henry James, a prominent figure in Anglo-Saxon literature, authored twenty novels and over a hundred short stories, plays, travelogues, and critical essays. “Portrait of a Lady,” published in 1881, is considered one of his most significant works and has been adapted for film, including a 1996 version starring John Malkovich, Barbara Hershey, and Nicole Kidman.

The play’s central question – “If I could and had everything, what would I do with my life?” – remains relevant and thought-provoking for contemporary audiences.