BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//British Czech and Slovak Association - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:British Czech and Slovak Association
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.bcsa.co.uk
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for British Czech and Slovak Association
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:Europe/London
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0000
TZOFFSETTO:+0100
TZNAME:BST
DTSTART:20180325T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0100
TZOFFSETTO:+0000
TZNAME:GMT
DTSTART:20181028T010000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0000
TZOFFSETTO:+0100
TZNAME:BST
DTSTART:20190331T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0100
TZOFFSETTO:+0000
TZNAME:GMT
DTSTART:20191027T010000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0000
TZOFFSETTO:+0100
TZNAME:BST
DTSTART:20200329T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0100
TZOFFSETTO:+0000
TZNAME:GMT
DTSTART:20201025T010000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20191129T183000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20191129T223000
DTSTAMP:20260507T070921
CREATED:20190702T173909Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20191125T094344Z
UID:2881-1575052200-1575066600@www.bcsa.co.uk
SUMMARY:BCSA 28th annual dinner
DESCRIPTION:Our twenty eighth annual dinner will be held on Friday 29 November in the heart of Bloomsbury. This highlight in the BCSA calendar is a wonderful opportunity for Slovaks\, Czechs and Britons to mingle in a convivial atmosphere\, to meet old friends and make new ones. Members and non-members alike will be made welcome at a drinks reception\, enjoy a three-course dinner with wine and hear the results of our annual writing competition. \nNick Archer\, British Ambassador to the Czech Republic\, will be the guest speaker; he took up his position in Prague in January 2018\, just in time for Brexit. Nick has been a diplomat nearly all his working life; he was Private Secretary to Douglas Hogg\, now Lord Hailsham\, at the Foreign Office\, visiting with him both Prague and Bratislava in late 1992 as Czechoslovakia split. In 1997 Nick was seconded to St James’ Palace as Private Secretary to The Prince of Wales responsible for both overseas and cultural matters\, the former including Royal tours. More recently he served on the Executive Board of UK Trade and Investment before leaving London for Prague. Nick has a Czech mongrel; his particular interests are classical music and architecture\, both of which Prague offers in profusion. See also an interview published in the BCS Review \nThe raffle features a number of desirable prizes including a minirelax weekend  for two at the Nove Lazne in Marianske Lazne (donated by Ensana Health Spa Hotels) or a stay in AquaCity Poprad close to the Tatra mountains in Slovakia (donated by Jan Telensky). Closer to home take advantage of a one-hour consultation and exercise session to improve your posture using a method developed by a Czech doctor (donated by Jana Mitackova) or cook with a Remoska\, which originated in 1950s Czechoslovakia (donated by Lady Milena Grenfell-Baines). There will also be an opportunity to bid in an auction of Banksy street art donated by John Brandler. \nIf you are a newcomer to the BCSA or to London\, we would like to extend a special invitation and welcome you into our friendly community. Kindly note that you may request seating at a table with your friends or book a table for ten at a substantial discount. \n18.30-19.30 drinks reception\, dinner 19.30-22.30\, dress code lounge suit \nRadisson Blu Edwardian Bloomsbury Street Hotel\, 9-13 Bloomsbury Street\, London WC1B 3QD \nTickets: BCSA members £50\, non-members £60\, full-time students £20\, tables for 10 £500. \nPlease book via Eventbrite link below or contact dinner@bcsa.co.uk for a booking form
URL:https://www.bcsa.co.uk/event/bcsa-28th-annual-dinner/
LOCATION:Radisson Blu Edwardian Bloomsbury Street Hotel\, 9-13 Bloomsbury Street\, London\, WC1B 3QD\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:BCSA Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.bcsa.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/BCSA-dinner-18-room-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="BCSA":MAILTO:bcsa@bcsa.co.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20191128T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20191128T193000
DTSTAMP:20260507T070921
CREATED:20191012T165253Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20191123T171156Z
UID:3292-1574969400-1574969400@www.bcsa.co.uk
SUMMARY:The Cunning Little Vixen
DESCRIPTION:Inspired by a newspaper comic strip\, the Welsh National Opera’s colourful production is charming\, funny and profound in equal measure. It reunites director\, David Pountney with WNO music director\, Tomas Hanus who conducts Janacek’s blend of folk-like music and sophisticated orchestrations\, gloriously evoking the vibrancy of nature.   \nOne afternoon deep in the forest\, the forester stumbles across a young vixen\, and takes her home as a pet for his family. But this playful creature has bigger plans and escapes to take on the world on her own terms. As her adventure unfolds\, all the creatures of the forest come to life\, in a tale that celebrates the circle of life. \nSung in Czech\, with English surtitles (and Welsh in Llandudno) \nAll performances includes a free pre-performance talk.Book in advance alongside your tickets. \nPlymouth Theatre Royal\, Thursday 17 Oct 7.30pm book  \nLlandudno  Venue Cymru\, Thursday 31 Oct 7.30pm book \nBirmingham Hippodrome\, Thursday 7 Nov 7.30pm book \nOxford New Theatre\, Thursday 21 Nov 7.30pm book \nSouthampton Mayflower Theatre\, Thursday 28 Nov 7.30pm book
URL:https://www.bcsa.co.uk/event/the-cunning-little-vixen/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20191128T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20191128T213000
DTSTAMP:20260507T070921
CREATED:20190816T160651Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190816T160651Z
UID:3064-1574967600-1574976600@www.bcsa.co.uk
SUMMARY:Everywhen - Sona Feriencikova
DESCRIPTION:Everywhen orbits around two sides of life – the personal and the political. \nAn often caring\, gentle and well-meaning personal life is contrasted here with the reality of the social individual\, who can often be sinister\, vengeful and hateful. But how can we be critical to our own worldviews when they are created by those closest to us? This international collective whirls together new music\, movement and imagery in an intermedial performance on history’s endless rotation. \nPerformer\, concept: Sona Feriencikova\nVisuals\, concept: Maria Judova\nMusic\, concept: Alexandra Timpau  \nTickets £12\, concessions £10 plus booking fee £1.50 (see link below) \nIn partnership with the Slovak Arts Council and the Embassy of the Republic of Slovakia in London
URL:https://www.bcsa.co.uk/event/everywhen-sona-feriencikova/
LOCATION:Rich Mix\, 35-47 Bethnal Green Rd\, London\, E1 6LA
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20191127T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20191127T220000
DTSTAMP:20260507T070921
CREATED:20190808T211036Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190808T211036Z
UID:2998-1574881200-1574892000@www.bcsa.co.uk
SUMMARY:Europe and the Velvet Revolution - 30 Years On
DESCRIPTION:In November the Dash Café will explore the impact of the 1989 revolution that caused the collapse of the Soviet Union\, 30 years on. \nThrough the prism of artists\, filmmakers and writers from across Czech Republic and Slovakia\, we explore whether that extraordinary spirit of activism still exists today. \nSpeakers including actress and director Tereza Nvotova and writers Zuzana Kepplova and Marek Sindelka will discuss the impact of this legacy on their work and whether it continues to have an impact today. \nExpect live music\, short films and performance alongside insightful conversation. \nTickets £5.00 plus booking fee £1.50 (see link below) \nIn partnership with the Czech Centre and the Slovak Embassy\, London
URL:https://www.bcsa.co.uk/event/europe-and-the-velvet-revolution-30-years-on/
LOCATION:Dash Cafe\, Unit 22\, Toynbee Studios\, 28 Commercial Street\, London\, E1 6AB\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20191126T170000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20191126T183000
DTSTAMP:20260507T070921
CREATED:20190928T104520Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190928T104520Z
UID:3177-1574787600-1574793000@www.bcsa.co.uk
SUMMARY:The Last Train to Tomorrow
DESCRIPTION:a talk by Lady Milena Grenfell-Baines MBE \nLady Milena was born in Czechoslovakia in 1929. Her father was recommended to leave Czechoslovakia the day before the Nazis invaded because he was both Jewish and a supporter of an anti-Nazi author. He was able to escape but left his wife and children behind. When she was nine years old\, Lady Milena and her younger sister Eva were able to leave Prague on a special train\, arranged by Nicholas Winton who saved 669 children in this way. Lady Milena and her sister were cared for by a local family until their mother was able to arrive one year later\, having escaped via Norway. The family were thus all reunited. \nTickets £5 available from organiser website link below
URL:https://www.bcsa.co.uk/event/the-last-train-to-tomorrow/
LOCATION:Sir William Perkins’s School\, Guildford Road\, Chertsey\, Surrey\, KT16 9BN\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20191122T093000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20191122T173000
DTSTAMP:20260507T070921
CREATED:20191030T151928Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20191030T151928Z
UID:3362-1574415000-1574443800@www.bcsa.co.uk
SUMMARY:Generation ’89. Witness Testimony from Czechoslovakia’s 1989 Revolution
DESCRIPTION:Bringing together those who made the 1989 revolution in Czechoslovakia. Expert testimony\, analysis and discussion in front of a live audience. \nHeld in the historic Temple of Peace\, Cardiff  \nMarking 30 years\, one generation\, since the end of Communist Party rule in Czechoslovakia. Leading figures from Czechoslovakia’s 1989 revolution reunite and remember how it was. Recording of the witness testimony to be deposited afterwards in the Czechoslovak Special Collection held at Cardiff University. \nFree registration to this unique event via Eventbrite (see link below)
URL:https://www.bcsa.co.uk/event/generation-89-witness-testimony-from-czechoslovakias-1989-revolution/
LOCATION:Temple of Peace\, King Edward VII Avenue\, Cardiff\, CF10 3AP\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20191121T200000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20191121T211500
DTSTAMP:20260507T070921
CREATED:20190828T205152Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190828T205152Z
UID:3083-1574366400-1574370900@www.bcsa.co.uk
SUMMARY:Theatre on the Balustrade: Velvet Havel
DESCRIPTION:Václav Havel – the dramatic genius\, the persecuted dissident\, the man of truth and ideals but also a lover of good beer and pretty women. A portrait of the first post-1989 Czech president presented as a modern-day musical\, Velvet Havel is a multi-award-winning production from the cult Prague Theatre on the Balustrade.\nThe title refers to the memorable Velvet Revolution that took place in Autumn 1989 in then Czechoslovakia\, and this unique cabaret-style musical\, in repertoire since 2014\, presents the life\, work\, and multifaceted personality of Václav Havel – and  is as much a light-hearted comedy as a serious 90-minute drama. Philosophical contemplations are balanced by playful songs from the acclaimed Czech composer Milos Orson Stedron\, performed by a live band. It is through these tunes that the play´s characters are given a voice\, a chance to have their say concerning the thoughts and actions of Václav Havel\, already a legend during his lifetime.\nThe play´s storyline follows his public\, as well as his private life\, focusing on political activities and their outcomes – such as imprisonment following his decision to become a spokesman for the famed Charter 77. From the beginning to the very height of his political career as president\, the storyline features Havel´s life-long friends\, family relations and love interests. The inspiration behind his writings is personified by the occasional ´femmes fatales´; his first wife Olga\, an extraordinary motherly figure who played a vital role in his life and his uncle Miloš Havel\, a charming showman and a skilful entrepreneur\, who owned and ran the famous Lucernafilm Production Company.\nAs the characters´ glittering musical performances intermingle with quotes from Havel´s timeless literary legacy\, the play reveals the deeply humane nature behind the celebrated facade of one of the greatest men in modern Czech history.\nDuration: 75 minutes without interval\nIn Czech with English surtitles \nTickets: £20\, sold via Rich Mix (see link below) from 5 September \nPart of Czech Velvet 1989 – 2019; Festival of Arts\, Film\, Theatre and Music.
URL:https://www.bcsa.co.uk/event/theatre-on-the-balustrade-velvet-havel/
LOCATION:Rich Mix\, 35-47 Bethnal Green Rd\, London\, E1 6LA
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20191117T183000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20191117T200000
DTSTAMP:20260507T070921
CREATED:20191002T161453Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20191002T161453Z
UID:3194-1574015400-1574020800@www.bcsa.co.uk
SUMMARY:Forman vs Forman
DESCRIPTION:UK premiere of a portrait of Milos Forman (1932–2018)\, Oscar-winning director of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975) and Amadeus (1984). \nForman began his career as a New Wave filmmaker in the Czech Republic before emigrating to the US\, where he lived an impoverished existence in the Chelsea Hotel. The director eventually found Hollywood success\, with One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest becoming the first film in 41 years to win the major categories of best picture\, director\, actor\, actress and screenplay in the 1976 Academy Awards. \nThrough a collage of rare interviews and footage from Forman’s private and official archives\, directors Helena Trestikova and Jakub Hejna explore the life’s work of a courageous artist. \nCzech Republic / France\, 2019\, 78 min.\, Czech with English subtitles
URL:https://www.bcsa.co.uk/event/forman-vs-forman/
LOCATION:ICA\, The Mall\, St. James's\, London\, SW1Y 5AH\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20191116T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20191116T193000
DTSTAMP:20260507T070921
CREATED:20190810T164536Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20191116T114653Z
UID:3014-1573932600-1573932600@www.bcsa.co.uk
SUMMARY:The Greek Passion
DESCRIPTION:The Greek Passion is a passion play within a passion play. At the beginning of the opera\, members of a remote community are assigned roles in an Easter performance – including Manolios\, who will play Christ\, Katerina (Mary Magdalene) and her lover Panait (Judas). \nHowever\, the sudden arrival of a group of refugees from a nearby conflict divides the community in two: should they be helped or turned away? As events unfold\, the boundaries between life and art become blurred and the cast of the play begin to take on the characteristics of their roles. The elders\, led by the priest Grigoris\, are disturbed by the loss of their own powers over the community\, and determine that Manolios must be stopped… \nWith its spectacular soundscape influenced by ancient song and involving large orchestral and choral forces\, the Czech composer Bohuslav Martinu’s rarely-performed\, deeply moving plea for tolerance has never been more relevant. In a timely new production by Opera North\, opening at Leeds Grand Theatre on 14 September\, Christopher Alden directs a superb ensemble headed by leading tenor Nicky Spence\, with Garry Walker conducting. \nMartinu’s own biography was inextricably linked with the turbulent history of Czechoslovakia in the last century\, and he had first-hand experience of being displaced himself. Having written a work in praise of Czech volunteers fighting in the French army at the start of World War II\, he was blacklisted by the Nazis and lived undercover in occupied France before escaping to the US in 1941. As the Soviet grip on Czechoslovakia tightened in the late 1940s\, Martinů again found himself persona non grata\, branded a formalist and émigré traitor. He would never work in his homeland again\, and he died in Switzerland in 1959. \nIn spite of his chaotic life – and a serious head injury sustained in a 1946 accident – Martinu’s output was prolific and brilliant. His early experiments incorporating expressionism and jazz evolved into a forward-looking neo-classicism\, inflected with the influence of Bohemian and Moravian folk music. \nBased on the novel by Nikos Kazantzakis and with an English libretto by Martinu himself\, The Greek Passion was written between 1954 to 1957\, and would be its composer’s final opera. Its convoluted journey to the stage began in 1957\, when it was turned down by the Royal Opera House in its original version. \nA second version received its premiere in Zürich in 1961\, two years after Martinu’s death. Opera North’s production returns to Martinu’s original 1957 version\, which was not actually heard until 1999.\n\nSung in English \nVenues\nLeeds Grand Theatre        19 October  book here\nTheatre Royal Newcastle     2 November  book here\nTheatre Royal\, Nottingham   9 November book here\nThe Lowry\, Salford Quays    16 November book here \nGreek Passion effigies (Tom Arber)
URL:https://www.bcsa.co.uk/event/the-greek-passion/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20191113T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20191113T213000
DTSTAMP:20260507T070921
CREATED:20190514T100851Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190531T173218Z
UID:2819-1573673400-1573680600@www.bcsa.co.uk
SUMMARY:Wihan Quartet
DESCRIPTION:Currently in residence at Trinity Laban Conservatoire\, London\, the Czech ensemble took its name from that of a compatriot cellist who himself founded the historic Czech String Quartet. Here it champions works from its country\, including one by Gideon Klein\, who died in a Nazi labour camp. \nGideon Klein (1919-1945) String Trio  \nJosef Suk (1874-1935) String Quartet No. 1 in B flat Op. 11  \nLeos Janacek (1854-1928) String Quartet No. 2 ‘Intimate Letters’
URL:https://www.bcsa.co.uk/event/wihan-quartet-2/
LOCATION:Wigmore Hall\, 36 Wigmore Street\, London\, W1U 2BP\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20191110T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20191110T200000
DTSTAMP:20260507T070921
CREATED:20191013T100952Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20191013T100952Z
UID:3304-1573408800-1573416000@www.bcsa.co.uk
SUMMARY:Karel\, Me and You
DESCRIPTION:Humorous\, spontaneous dialogues\, acutely observed situations and natural performances fuel fresh film energy into this conversation based film revolving around Sasa\, Karel and Dusan. Sasa moves in with her friend Dusan when taking a break on her marriage to Karel which seemed to have fizzled out. While providing a support\, and a sound board to their hopes and concerns\, Dusan fumbles through his own love life.  \nSuccessfully evoking long debates with a best friend while providing a testimony to threatening uncertainties and similarly threatening assurances related to all relationships\, this surprising indie debut authentically portrays the world of thirty-somethings\, who seek\, find and sometime also lose their friends and life partners.  \nBohdan Karasek\, Czech Republic 2018\, English subtitles\nCast: Jenovefa Bokova\, Miroslav Faderholz\, Miloslav Konig \nTickets £12/11 see link below to book \nPart of 23rd Made in Prague Film Festival
URL:https://www.bcsa.co.uk/event/karel-me-and-you/
LOCATION:Regent Street Cinema\, 307 Regent Street\, London\, W1B 2HW
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20191110T160000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20191110T173000
DTSTAMP:20260507T070921
CREATED:20191013T101820Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20191013T101820Z
UID:3309-1573401600-1573407000@www.bcsa.co.uk
SUMMARY:The Best of Czech Animation 2015 - 2019
DESCRIPTION:Cherry-picked from the Venice\, Berlin and Annecy International Film Festivals\, including the winner of the 2019 Student Academy Awards\, this selection showcases the best Czech animations from FAMU\, one of the top international film schools. \nThe animated black comedy Happy End offers an overview of stereotypical Czech characters while The Kite is a touching tale of a boy and his grandfather and Hide N Seek pulls the viewer into the surreal world of the human subconscious. The puppet drama Daughter about a strained father/daughter relationship and the limits of mutual understanding contrasts with the animated documentary Apart dealing with life after the loss of loved ones and the contemplation of womanhood in Woman’s Day while Bloody Fairytales transforms classic tales into an homage to the movies of both Lotte Reiniger and Quentin Tarantino. \nVarious\, CZ — FAMU 2015 — 2019 \nTickets £12/11 see link below to book \nPart of 23rd Made in Prague Film Festival
URL:https://www.bcsa.co.uk/event/the-best-of-czech-animation-2015-2019/
LOCATION:Regent Street Cinema\, 307 Regent Street\, London\, W1B 2HW
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20191110T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20191110T151500
DTSTAMP:20260507T070921
CREATED:20191013T102545Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20191013T102845Z
UID:3312-1573394400-1573398900@www.bcsa.co.uk
SUMMARY:Great Adventure of the Lucky Four
DESCRIPTION:The Lucky Four – Fifinka\, Pinda\, Bobík and Myspulin – live in a small house in the picturesque village of Treskoprsky. One cosy night\, sitting around a camp fire in their garden\, they share stories of the best adventures they had last year: a successful climbing trip to the Devil’s Thumb\, tracking a mysterious werewolf\, a trip to outer space full of rubbish and pirates\, and delivering presents to the devil’s children on St Nicholas’s Day.  \nWhile faithful to the original style\, mystical creatures\, pirates and local villain Kamil Zadrhel together with Myspulin’s wonderful inventions refresh these four short stories with new thrills and frights suitable even for preschool children. Inspired by the most famous of Czech comics for children\, this is a 50th anniversary present for the Lucky Four’s many generations of fans.  \nMichal Zabka\, Czech Republic 2019 \nCast:  Tereza Bebarova\, Jan Maxian\, Bohdan Tuma\, Jiri Ployhar ml.\, Miroslav Taborsky\, Jiri Lábus \nTickets £12/11\, children £6 see link below to book \nFollowed by a children’s art workshop
URL:https://www.bcsa.co.uk/event/great-adventure-of-the-lucky-four/
LOCATION:Regent Street Cinema\, 307 Regent Street\, London\, W1B 2HW
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20191109T201000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20191109T213500
DTSTAMP:20260507T070921
CREATED:20191014T180624Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20191014T180624Z
UID:3316-1573330200-1573335300@www.bcsa.co.uk
SUMMARY:Old-Timers + Q&A
DESCRIPTION:with actor Jiri Schmitzer and directors Martin Dusek and Ondrej Provaznik. \nVlasta and Tonda\, WWII veterans and ex political prisoners\, now elderly and infirm\, have one last mission – to find and kill the communist prosecutor who once jailed them and escaped justice. Gearing up for the job with an old pistol and a rusty camper-van\, the would-be assassins set off on a cross-country vengeance trip accompanied by Tonda´s beloved dogs. \nDeploying a grumpy old man act\, their age and Vlasta´s wheelchair to manipulate the authorities and their caring families\, they try to right old wrongs. As Vlasta says: “You can’t piss all over the truth”. Full of oddball humour and empathy for the unlikely heroes fighting for justice\, this bitter comedy with excellent performances successfully combines a road movie with a revenge thriller. \nMartin Dusek\, Ondrej Provaznik\, Czech Republic/Slovakia 2019\,  English subtitles\nCast: Jiri Schmitzer\, Ladislav Mrkvicka\, Dusan Kapralik\, Milena Steinmasslova\, Michal Suchanek \nTickets £12/11 see link below to book \nPart of 23rd Made in Prague Film Festival
URL:https://www.bcsa.co.uk/event/old-timers-qa/
LOCATION:Regent Street Cinema\, 307 Regent Street\, London\, W1B 2HW
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20191109T182000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20191109T195000
DTSTAMP:20260507T070921
CREATED:20191014T181424Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20191014T182454Z
UID:3320-1573323600-1573329000@www.bcsa.co.uk
SUMMARY:Let There be Light
DESCRIPTION:A winner of the best actor award at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival and Slovakia’s entry for the Oscars. \nIt is Christmas\, and Milan\, who’s been working in Germany to provide a better life for his family\, returns home to discover that his prolonged absence has taken its toil. His eldest son is now a member of a paramilitary youth group\, and is involved in the death of a class-mate. As he starts to investigate\, pressuring his son\, he calls into question the deep-rooted traditions of his faith and village realising that he must overcome his own failings before he can protect his son from being led astray.  \nThis excellent compelling drama about the strength and fragility of family ties addresses the far-right extremism through the prism of a family raising its children in the prevailing culture of xenophobic hate.  \nMarko Skop\, SK / CZ 2019\,  English subtitles\nCast: Milan Ondrik\, Frantisek Beles\, Zuzana Konecna\, Lubomir Paulovic \nTickets £12/11 see link below to book \nPart of 23rd Made in Prague Film Festival
URL:https://www.bcsa.co.uk/event/let-there-be-light/
LOCATION:Regent Street Cinema\, 307 Regent Street\, London\, W1B 2HW
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20191109T160000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20191109T174500
DTSTAMP:20260507T070921
CREATED:20191014T182334Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20191014T182334Z
UID:3323-1573315200-1573321500@www.bcsa.co.uk
SUMMARY:Jiri Suchy - Tackling Life with Ease
DESCRIPTION:A celebration of the life and work of Jiri Suchy\, performer\, singer-songwriter\, writer\, composer and poet whose songs and plays span generations and who has become a Czech national icon.  \nDirector Olga Sommerova looks back at the more than 60 years of Suchy’s creative life associated with his legendary Prague Semafor theatre and inspired by Laurel & Hardy\, Czech theatre gurus Voskovec & Werich and British comedian George Formby. Playing the accordion\, reading his funny stories and poetic texts full of surprising rhymes\, Suchy is an engaging\, gossipy presence\, enjoying the good times with gusto\, not concentrating on the bad ones for long.  \nThis is a portrait of a man full of humility who has dedicated his life to the theatre and music and who\, despite his struggles with the Communist regime and personal tragedies\, has never lost his optimism and humour.  \nOlga Sommerova\, Czech Republic 2019 \nTickets £12/11 see link below to book \nPart of 23rd Made in Prague Film Festival
URL:https://www.bcsa.co.uk/event/jiri-suchy-tackling-life-with-ease/
LOCATION:Regent Street Cinema\, 307 Regent Street\, London\, W1B 2HW
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20191109T150000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20191109T170000
DTSTAMP:20260507T070921
CREATED:20191010T081318Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20191010T081531Z
UID:3279-1573311600-1573318800@www.bcsa.co.uk
SUMMARY:The Underground Universities in  Czechoslovakia after Charter 77
DESCRIPTION:On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution\, Dr. Barbara Day MBE  will be speaking about Czechoslovak underground universities in the 1970s and 80s and their relationship  with institutions in Britain. \nBarbara is the author of The Velvet Philosophers which presents a detailed account of the conditions in which the underground universities operated and explains the role of Jan Hus Educational Foundation and British universities who provided lecturers for seminars organised by Charter 77 signatories\, as well as books and materials for samizdat in Prague\, Brno and Bratislava . \nShe first visited Prague in the mid 1960s on study leave. After returning to Britain and completing her studies\, she worked for the Jan Hus Educational Foundation through which she was directly involved in preparations and briefings for visiting academics to Czechoslovakia. Barbara now lives in Prague where she writes extensively on Czech theatre\, translates and teaches foreign students on the Czech culture programme at Charles University. She was a founding member of The English College in Prague. \nHer latest book Trial by Theatre examines the history of the  theatre in the Czech lands. \nFor her contribution to Czech and British cultural relations\, Barbara was awarded the Commemorative Medal by Vaclav Havel in 1998 and received an MBE in 2002.
URL:https://www.bcsa.co.uk/event/the-underground-universities-in-czechoslovakia-after-charter-77/
LOCATION:Velehrad London\, 39 Lonsdale Road\, London\, SW13 9JP\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20191109T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20191109T163000
DTSTAMP:20260507T070921
CREATED:20190928T102134Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190928T102134Z
UID:3162-1573293600-1573317000@www.bcsa.co.uk
SUMMARY:Music of the Czechs
DESCRIPTION:London region of U3As music day \nProgramme: \n10.45-10.55 Music of the Czechs: Geographical and historical context introduction by the chair of the London Region\, Catherine Ware\n11.00–12.00 Evocations of Prague a London region music visit to Prague remembered through a sequence of images\, poetry\, prose and music Hugh Noble\, Redbridge U3A\n12.05–13.05 Bedrich Smetana – a Czech icon a joint presentation with recorded musical excerpts Andrew Mills & Michael Sodring\, Barnet U3A\nBREAK FOR LUNCH\n14.00-14.15 Czech folk songs introductions in English\, sung in Czech by guest soloist\, Sarka Elias\,  Ralph Samel and his Ukelele Group\, Barnet U3A\n14.20-15.20 Another kind of nationalism: the development of the Czech string quartet talk with recorded musical excerpts Robert Hugill\, U3A in London\n15.25-16.25 Dvorak in England talk with recorded musical excerpts\, Terry Heard\, membership secretary\,  The Dvorak Society  \nCost:  £25 per person including refreshments on arrival (lunch is not included) \nBook via organiser website link below
URL:https://www.bcsa.co.uk/event/music-of-the-czechs/
LOCATION:Kings Place\, 90 York Way\, London\, N1 9AG\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20191108T090000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20191108T173000
DTSTAMP:20260507T070921
CREATED:20191002T165926Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20191002T170633Z
UID:3199-1573203600-1573234200@www.bcsa.co.uk
SUMMARY:Jan Patocka and the grounds for political action
DESCRIPTION:Academic conference and evening arts event.\nThis conference will explore the contributions of Czech philosopher Jan Patocka to our understanding of whether and how meaningful political action is possible—taking cues from his phenomenology\, his essays on arts and culture\, his writings on Europe\, and his conception of sacrifice. The day will feature Patocka scholars and academics who worked underground in the former Czechoslovakia. A topical introduction to the ideas of this fascinating philosopher\, offering novel ways of reflecting on our contemporary political crises.\nConference programme (draft subject to change)  \n9:00 Arrival and Coffee\n9:30 Welcome from Graham Henderson (Rimbaud and Verlaine Foundation) and Erin Plunkett (University of Hertfordshire) \nPanel 1 – Philosophical grounds\n9:45 Francesco Tava (University of the West of England\, (UWE)\, Bristol\n10:15 Michaela Belejkanicova (UCL) on sacrifice in Patocka\n10:45 Erin Plunkett leads a panel discussion\n11:15 Coffee \nPanel 2 – Patocka and Czech literature\n11:30 Tim Beasley-Murray (UCL) on Czech philosophical and literary influences on Jan Patocka\n12:00 Rajendra Chitnis (University College Oxford) on Patocka in the context of Czech arts and literature\n12:30 Graham Henderson leads a panel discussion\n13:00 Lunch\n\nPanel 3 – Resistance\n14:00 Ivan Chvatik (director of the Patocka Archive in Prague) on Jan Patocka’s influence on intellectual and political resistance to Communism\n14:30 Jan Frei (deputy director of the Patocka Archive in Prague) on Jan Patocka’s cultural and political impact\n15:00 Graham Henderson leads panel discussion\n15:30 Tea \nPanel 4 – Arts and Culture\n15:45 Erin Plunkett (University of Hertfordshire)\n16:15 Barbara Day (author of The Velvet Philosophers) on her participation in the underground philosophy lecture programme(the ‘Patocka universities’) in the former Czechoslovakia\n16:45 Erin Plunkett leads a panel discussion  \nTickets to attend the one day conference from 9:00-17:30 are £20 plus booking fee see Eventbrite link below \nThe conference will be followed by an evening arts event ‘Care for the Soul – Jan Patocka and the arts’. With live music and performances\, this event will take place from 18:30-20:30 and requires separate registration. Tickets to attend the evening event from 18:30-20:30 are £10 plus booking fee. For full details and to book click here
URL:https://www.bcsa.co.uk/event/jan-patocka-and-the-grounds-for-political-action/
LOCATION:Senate House\, University of London\, Malet Street\, London\, WC1E 7HU
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20191106T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20191106T210000
DTSTAMP:20260507T070921
CREATED:20191010T090447Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20191010T090447Z
UID:3288-1573066800-1573074000@www.bcsa.co.uk
SUMMARY:The Other Europe: The Power of the Powerless
DESCRIPTION:30 years after the fall of Communism\, leading historian and political scientist Jacques Rupnik and a multi-award winning documentary film director Tom Roberts re-visit their Channel 4 revolutionary documentary series (1988) which revealed the impact of 40 years of Communist rule on the nations of the ‘Other Europe’.  \nWritten and narrated by Jacques Rupnik\, this programme examines power\, ideology\, resistance\, art and the traumas of the totalitarian experiment using interviews with leading oppositionists and extracts of their work. Reminiscing what was it like for a Western crew to film in Communist countries on the brink of collapse\, meeting filmmakers Andrzej Wajda\, Jiri Menzel\, writers Vaclav Havel\, Josef Skvorecky\, and young Viktor Orban\, the panelists will discuss the notion of the ‘Other Europe’ now after the changes of 1989 and in the current political climate. \nAdmission £7 + booking fee (see Eventbrite link below)
URL:https://www.bcsa.co.uk/event/the-other-europe-the-power-of-the-powerless/
LOCATION:Czech Embassy cinema\, 26 Kensington Palace Gardens\, London\, W8 4QY
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20191105T183000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20191105T203000
DTSTAMP:20260507T070921
CREATED:20190716T182336Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190716T182336Z
UID:2897-1572978600-1572985800@www.bcsa.co.uk
SUMMARY:Emperor Rudolf II - Collector & Patron of the Arts & Sciences
DESCRIPTION:Under Rudolf II Prague again became the capital of the Holy Roman Empire. Following the example of his Habsburg ancestors\, he assembled an exceptional collection of works of art for which the imperial palace on the Hradcany was adapted. He patronised painters\, sculptors\, goldsmiths who flocked to Prague\, and also men of learning including Tycho Brahe and Johannes Kepler. For a brief period Prague became the most important cultural centre in Europe. \nCaroline Cannon-Brookes\, art historian\, was trained at the Courtauld Institute of Art and teaches at the University of Oxford Department for Continuing Education. She has led many tours to the Czech Republic to which she is a regular visitor. \nPrice £15 including a glass of wine. Online booking see link below. \nTo pay at the door please notify: events@czechfriends.net \nImage of Rudolph II by Aegidius Sadeler
URL:https://www.bcsa.co.uk/event/emperor-rudolf-ii-collector-patron-of-the-arts-sciences/
LOCATION:Czech Embassy\, 26-30 Kensington Palace Gardens\, London\, W8 4QY
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20191105T093000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20191105T180000
DTSTAMP:20260507T070921
CREATED:20190917T201054Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20191027T110131Z
UID:3134-1572946200-1572976800@www.bcsa.co.uk
SUMMARY:Raising the velvet curtain: Slovak literature since 1989
DESCRIPTION:One-day seminar hosted by UCL School of Slavonic and East European Studies. \nCo-organised with the Centre for the Study of Central Europe\, UCL SSEES and the Institute of Slovak Literature of the Slovak Academy of Sciences\, this one-day conference\, open to the public\, aims to introduce the reading public as well as publishers\, journalists\, translators\, students and scholars of Central European and Slovak history and politics to the latest developments on the Slovak literary scene. \nLeading specialists from Slovakia\, the UK and USA will present a survey of the Slovak social and literary landscape and social developments over the past 30 years and major literary trends. Four panels will explore how recent Slovak history and social transformation after 1989 has been reflected in literature\, also in the context of neighbouring post-communist countries. Panellists will introduce the vibrant contemporary literary scene in Slovakia and discuss the best ways of putting Slovak literature on the Anglophone map and make recommendations for books that should be translated into English and why.  \nFor full programme see raising_the_velvet_curtain_conference_final \nFree registrations with Eventbrite – see link below
URL:https://www.bcsa.co.uk/event/raising-the-velvet-curtain-slovak-literature-since-1989/
LOCATION:UCL SSEES\, 16 Taviton St\, London\, WC1H 0BW\, United Kingdom
ORGANIZER;CN="UCL SSEES":MAILTO:ssees-events@ucl.ac.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20191104T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20191104T213000
DTSTAMP:20260507T070921
CREATED:20190816T155125Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190816T161017Z
UID:3050-1572894000-1572903000@www.bcsa.co.uk
SUMMARY:Solo Lamentoso - Sláva Daubnerová
DESCRIPTION:Inspired by the real-life story of a woman in the small town of Štúrovo in southern Slovakia. \nA portrait of a woman compelled to listen to music known for pushing boundaries and conventions in contemporary Slovak theatre. Author\, director\, actor and conceptual artist Sláva Daubnerová blends authenticity and documentary techniques with fiction to pose fundamental questions about the limits of humanity and the position of an outsider. Daubnerová’s monodrama Solo Lamentoso\, premiered in December 2015\, has been inspired by the real-life story of a woman in the small town of Štúrovo in southern Slovakia\, who barricaded herself in her house and terrorised her neighbours by playing the same aria from La Traviata sung by Placido Domingo through low-quality speakers from six in the morning to ten at night in an endless loop for 14 years. The artist turns the confession of a disturbed woman into a device for exploring timeless topics such as the ambiguity of truth and the fight of an individual against society\, suggesting that growing discord among people is how extremism is born. \nTickets £12\, concessions £10 plus booking fee £1.50 (see link below) \nIn partnership with the Slovak Arts Council and the Embassy of the Slovak Republic in London
URL:https://www.bcsa.co.uk/event/solo-lamentoso-slava-daubnerova/
LOCATION:Rich Mix\, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road\, London\, E1 6LA
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20191102T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20191102T213000
DTSTAMP:20260507T070921
CREATED:20190514T100401Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190531T173201Z
UID:2813-1572723000-1572730200@www.bcsa.co.uk
SUMMARY:Pavel Haas Quartet
DESCRIPTION:The ensemble took the name of a Czech composer\, and continues its commitment to music from his country in this programme\, with a work by Erwin Schulhoff alongside a quartet by Smetana. The contemporary Slovak composer L’ubica Cekovska is also represented. \nL’ubica Cekovska (b.1975) A Midsummer Quartet  \nErwin Schulhoff (1894-1942) String Quartet No. 1  \nBedrich Smetana (1824-1884) String Quartet No. 2 in D minor  \nPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) String Quartet No. 3 in E flat minor Op. 30
URL:https://www.bcsa.co.uk/event/pavel-haas-quartet/
LOCATION:Wigmore Hall\, 36 Wigmore Street\, London\, W1U 2BP\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20191031T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20191031T213000
DTSTAMP:20260507T070921
CREATED:20191003T093555Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20191003T093555Z
UID:3220-1572550200-1572557400@www.bcsa.co.uk
SUMMARY:Hej Romale! Chavorenge choir and Czech Philharmonic
DESCRIPTION:A concert by Romani children from the Chavorenge Children’s Choir led by Ida Kelarova and her team accompanied by musicians from the Czech Philharmonic. \n“Romani children don’t feel welcome in our society. Breaking free from the vicious circle of settlements and ghettos into a world where they are expected to succeed\, be self-confident and achieve is hugely difficult. We strive to create a motivating environment which allows them to follow their dreams and goals and pursue their own life stories. But the energy we invest in these children doesn’t pay off immediately – it takes time.”\n“I’m delighted that the Czech Philharmonic has been by our side over the past five years. Even though we’ve made great progress\, I realise that it may take several generations before we witness long-lasting change and for the results of our efforts to bear fruit.” \nTickets from £15 plus booking fee\, see link below.
URL:https://www.bcsa.co.uk/event/hej-romale-chavorenge-choir-and-czech-philharmonic/
LOCATION:Phoenix Concert Hall\, Fairfield Halls\, Park Lane\, Croydon\, CR9 1DG\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20191030T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20191030T210000
DTSTAMP:20260507T070921
CREATED:20191001T170232Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20191001T170232Z
UID:3187-1572462000-1572469200@www.bcsa.co.uk
SUMMARY:In Quest of History: On Statehood and Identity with Jiri Priban and Pavel Seifter
DESCRIPTION:As contemporary politics drift closer to totalitarianism\, historiography from scholars and thinkers who have experienced twentieth-century totalitarian regimes is more important than ever. A professor of legal philosophy Jiri Priban and Pavel Seifter\, historian and former Czech Ambassador to the UK\, search for the roots of contemporary problems in our past\, examining how we navigate history among the shifting tides of our national identity and what statehood and democracy mean 30 years after the fall of communism. \nChaired by Sir John Tusa and touching upon the subjects of sovereignty\, freedom\, fear\, and faith\, this promises to be a spirited discussion launching the English edition of Jiri Priban’s and Karel Hvizdala’s book In Quest of History; On Czech Statehood and Identity\, Karolinum Press\, October 2019 \nTickets: £5 + booking fee\, see Eventbrite link below
URL:https://www.bcsa.co.uk/event/in-quest-of-history-on-statehood-and-identity-with-jiri-priban-and-pavel-seifter/
LOCATION:Czech Embassy\, 26-30 Kensington Palace Gardens\, London\, W8 4QY
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20191026T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20191026T213000
DTSTAMP:20260507T070921
CREATED:20190804T120015Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190804T120015Z
UID:2975-1572118200-1572125400@www.bcsa.co.uk
SUMMARY:CS PARTY @ 229 VENUE with MIRO ŽBIRKA
DESCRIPTION:Miro Žbirka – a living legend of Slovak and Czech popular music is celebrating his 40 year-long music career with concerts in London\, Prague and Bratislava. \nDon’t miss this greatest hits show supported by Abbey Road Studio musicians with whom he recorded his last two albums.\nDrums – Blair Cunningham\nBass – Hamish Stewart\, Pearse MacIntyre\nGuitar – Robbie McIntosh\, Pearse MacIntyre\, Rob Cass\nKeyboards – Pearse MacIntyre\nPiano – Dean Ross\, Jon Hall\, George Stewart\nPercussion – Rob Cass \nNOTE!!! CS PARTY with MIRO ŽBIRKA is for standing only\, please ignore seating numbers on your tickets.
URL:https://www.bcsa.co.uk/event/cs-party-229-venue-with-miro-zbirka/
LOCATION:229 Venue\, 229 Great Portland Street\, London\, W1W 5PN
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20191024T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20191024T213000
DTSTAMP:20260507T070921
CREATED:20190527T192002Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190527T192040Z
UID:2838-1571945400-1571952600@www.bcsa.co.uk
SUMMARY:Czech Roots: London Symphony Orchestra
DESCRIPTION:Composers pouring their most personal thoughts and feelings into their work is not unusual\, but these two pieces by Dvorak and Suk feel much more deeply connected than most. \nDvorak and Suk had a very long and close relationship as father-in-law and son-in-law. Suk’s Second Symphony\, ‘Asrael’\, named for the Hebrew Angel of Death\, was written in tribute to Dvorak after his sudden death in 1904. Tragically\, Suk’s wife – Dvorak’s daughter Otilka – died shortly afterwards and the symphony contains some of the most achingly beautiful music in the whole of Suk’s output. \nSimilarly\, Dvorak’s Cello Concerto also contains a tribute to a close relation\, in this case his wife Anna’s sister Josefina\, whom Dvorak had initially courted for marriage. Dvorak wove the melody of his song ‘Leave me alone’\, of which Josefina was particularly fond\, into the second movement. The work was the envy of Brahms\, who reputedly said\, ‘If I had known that it was possible to write a cello concerto like this\, I would have tried it as well!’ \nSir John Eliot Gardiner conductor\nTruls Mørk cello
URL:https://www.bcsa.co.uk/event/czech-roots-london-symphony-orchestra/
LOCATION:Barbican Centre\, Silk Street\, London\, EC2Y 8DS\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20191024T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20191025T191500
DTSTAMP:20260507T070921
CREATED:20190801T144240Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20191027T105800Z
UID:2960-1571943600-1572030900@www.bcsa.co.uk
SUMMARY:An evening of Slovak Literature
DESCRIPTION:Slovak writers’ tour 22 -25 October – Manchester\, Oxford\, Cambridge\, London \nJoin a panel of renowned authors chaired by Diana Vonnak for a celebration of modern Slovak literature. Ursula Kovalyk\, Ivana Dobrakovova and Balla will discuss their award-winning works of fiction. Also taking part will be their English translator\, Julia Sherwood. \nUrsula Kovalyk is a feminist writer\, social worker and theatre maker and a leading representative of contemporary feminist literary discourse in Slovakia. The Night Circus and other stories published by Parthian Books (April 2019) blends the naturalistic and the fabulistic in elusive\, delicate stories that fold fable and fairy tale into the everyday\, domestic settings of kitchen\, garden.\n\nIvana Dobrakovova is a writer and translator(Elena Ferrante’s Neapolitan saga)\, winner of the 2019 European Union Prize for Literature. Bellevue is a novel about our inability to escape ‘our own private cages\, being imprisoned by fear\, anxiety and mistrust\, no less than indifference to others. Jantar Publishing\, October 2019. \nBalla is an award-winning writer of short stories and novellas\, “the chief alchemist of Slovak literature”. Big Love \, a critique of contemporary society in which the triumph of liberal democracy has increased rather than diminished the Kafkaesque aspects of life\, is his second book to be published in English. Jantar Publishing\, October 2019 \n22 October Manchester 19.00-20.30  Blackwell’s Bookshop book here \n23 October Oxford 19.00-20.30 St Anthony’s College (booking details to follow) \n24 October Cambridge 18.30-20.00 Heffers Bookshop book here \n25 October London 19.15-20.30 British Library book here \n‘Raising the Velvet Curtain’ is a series of events presenting a vibrant new generation of Slovak writers and artists to mark 30 years since the Velvet Revolution of 1989.
URL:https://www.bcsa.co.uk/event/an-evening-of-slovak-literature/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20191021T183000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20191021T223000
DTSTAMP:20260507T070921
CREATED:20190917T203707Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190919T102237Z
UID:3140-1571682600-1571697000@www.bcsa.co.uk
SUMMARY:The Women in Czech Opera
DESCRIPTION:An evening talk and recital. \nSamantha Crawford and Lada Valesova explore the female roles in the operas of the great Czech composers\, Dvorak\, Janacek and Smetana.  During this entertaining and illuminating evening they will perform highlights and discuss the music and characterisation in depth.  Afterwards there are limited spaces for a dinner with these two fascinating artists. \nKatya Kabanova\, Jenufa and Rusalka are the title roles in just three masterpieces in the Czech repertoire.  Katya is unhappily married and tormented by her bullying mother-in-law\, Kabanicha.  This story of a lonely wife longing for love and freedom is rich in psychological insight.  Jenufa reveals the lives of two courageous women struggling for fulfilment in a small rural community.  Janacek movingly captures Jenufa’s emotional development\, while her stepmother\, the Kostelnicka is one of opera’s most complex maternal figures.  When Rusalka\, Dvorak’s water nymph\, falls in love with a mortal she strikes a terrible bargain with the witch Jezibaba to gain mortality herself.  This dark and symbolic retelling of the Little Mermaid story is enhanced by the spellbinding and luminous soprano aria\, the famous Song to the Moon. \nGeneral admission £45 + booking fee\nTicket including post performance dinner & wine £100 + booking fee \nsee Eventbrite link below
URL:https://www.bcsa.co.uk/event/the-women-in-czech-opera/
LOCATION:The Club at The Ivy\, 9 West Street\, London\, WC2H 9 NE\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR