Sacrebleu - Nataša Novotná

Sacrebleu* is my fantastical idea of connecting diverse forces that strengthen those who walk alone on their rough daily journey. In a way, it's about faith... What do you believe in?  

*sacrebleu/sacredieu, the etymology of both terms is apparently similar. It is an old French interjection expressing surprise, disgust, or anger. 

In order to preserve a sense of inviolability/purity and at the same time out of curiosity, I would also like to reveal my unique way of movement, its dynamics, its logic... to realize what is instinct and what is pure calculation.

Sacrebleu Solo, in the 2025 edition, returns to the stage with a new cast! The next generation of dancers will gain stage experience and improve their interpretive skills. The pure quality of movement, a certain virtuosity of the body, plays a specific role in this solo - it draws you into another world.

Já jsem Placebo - Michal Heriban

In today's world, we constantly interact with our surroundings in ways we may not even be aware of. We are shaped by automated actions, subconscious habits, and an ever-evolving digital environment that largely dictates our behavior. We live in an age where consciousness is increasingly fragmented by technology, the rapid flow of information, and the pressure to constantly perform and function.
"I Am Placebo" explores precisely these themes: how our bodies and minds work together in seemingly automatic cycles, how habits that shape our lives are formed, and how we can consciously reset ourselves to free ourselves from the patterns that control us. The performance is not only a reflection of the inner world of the individual, but also a commentary on the broader social climate, where self-improvement, self-reflection, and self-development are highly valued ideals.
In the context of contemporary performance, this production invites viewers to reflect on the nature of memory, identity, and control. It calls for a re-evaluation of the concept of free will and questions the mechanisms that dictate our lives. Combining structured choreography, improvisation, and evocative music, "I Am Placebo" encourages viewers to consider the power of their own minds and bodies in creating new paths—how we can consciously change our habits and reshape our identities.
As the world becomes more complex and fragmented, "I Am Placebo" provides a space for introspection, emphasizing the importance of awareness and the possibility of transformation. It reminds us that even in a world full of external influences, we still have the ability to choose how we respond, how we grow, and ultimately, how we heal.

Authors

Michal Heriban is a Slovak choreographer, performer, and visual artist who is primarily associated with Prague, Munich, and Bratislava. He is the co-founder of the Jedným dychom theater and has participated in more than 40 full-length dance or theater productions in Europe since 2012. For the past 10 years, he has been working closely with German choreographer and visual artist Michou Purucker. He was nominated for the Thálie Awards (CZ) in 2020, 2022, and 2023.

Nataša Novotná - Czech dancer, choreographer, and lecturer. She gained professional experience at the Gothenburg Opera Ballet in Sweden and the Nederlands Dans Theater 1 and 2 ensembles, where she collaborated and created with leading world choreographers as a dancer. In Prague, she co-founded the contemporary dance company 420people. She subsequently established the Kylian Foundation in Prague. Natasha systematically coaches the ballet ensemble of the Moravian-Silesian National Theater and teaches at conservatories, universities, and dance companies, including internationally. She occasionally works as a choreographer outside of subsidy programs. She collaborates with other artists. She has won the prestigious Thalia Award and Dancer of the Year Award for her stage performances. She has been praised by domestic critics for her choreography of the ballet Škrtič. Since 2017, she has been the only person in the country to teach Gaga movement, developed in Israel by Ohad Naharin.