PONEC – permanent stage for contemporary dance – has undergone a significant transformation during its 23rd season. This is primarily a shift in the artistic management strategy, now centred on collaboration between the revitalized theatre team and the newly established Artistic Council, consisting of three external experts: Dagmar Bednáriková, Sylva Šafková, and Honza Malík. Their inclusion brings a diversity of perspectives and decades of experience across various generations and backgrounds.
The new Artistic Council became operational in April 2024 and will shape the artistic plan for 2025. Meanwhile, until the end of 2024, the program will continue in line with the previous artistic leadership.
PONEC – dance venue is represented by Hana Pelánková as the executive manager, Barbora Loumová Miko as the program coordinator, and Ema Šlechtová for the communication team. Three members from the theatre team will engage in dialogue with three external experts, attentively considering proposals and arguments, and striving for consensus in line with the mission and vision of the first permanent stage for contemporary dance. This collaboration aims to foster a more profound professional discourse on the role of dance theatre in the evolving context, the accessibility of its programming, and increased inclusivity. Moreover, it seeks to enhance collaboration methods, emphasizing the partnership between the theatre team and creative collectives. All activities will adhere to clearly defined framework conditions that align with the capabilities of both parties.
MgA. Dagmar Bednáriková, Ph.D.
Dagmar graduated from the production department of DAMU in Prague and subsequently completed the doctoral studies at the theatre faculty of JAMU in Brno. In her professional career, she initially focused on producing theatre projects in alternative drama, later transitioning to movement theatre and contemporary circus. For the past 15 years, she has served as the manager of the KD Mlejn cultural centre, where she integrates various art forms such as movement theatre, contemporary circus, dance, theatre, music and community engagement. She is a member of the Presidium of ITI, an umbrella platform for the performing arts, addressing strategic topics like Artist Status and VKI (Public Cultural Institution). Dagmar is dedicated to bridging Prague with other regions through the Association of Cultural Centres of the Czech Republic and the global organization ASSITEJ, which promotes theatre for children and youth. She views non-traditional theatre, dance and circus as pivotal vehicles for fostering collaboration and creative advancement in both domestic and international contexts.