PerformCzech Contributed to the Launch of the First Václav Havel Prize in Avignon
PerformCzech, a department of the Czech Cultural Institute, was a partner of the international Prix Václav Havel project, whose inaugural edition took place on 16 July 2026 during the Festival d’Avignon. Established to mark the 90th anniversary of Václav Havel’s birth, the prize aims to recognise contemporary playwrights whose work combines artistic excellence with civic courage and the defence of freedom of expression.
PerformCzech contributed to the preparation and delivery of the awards ceremony, which connected Václav Havel’s legacy with contemporary theatre from around the world. We are proud to have helped establish and present an award that not only commemorated one of the most important Czech playwrights, but also showcased Czech theatre as an active partner in the international dialogue on freedom, democracy, and the social responsibility of art.
The evening also featured the world premiere of a staged reading of Lilac, a previously unpublished text by Václav Havel, appearances by leading figures in contemporary theatre, and the announcement of the recipient of the new international prize: Ukrainian playwright Viktor Kyrylov. The ceremony became a prominent part of the Festival d’Avignon programme and a fitting tribute to Havel’s legacy in a place where his plays had been performed for decades.
At PerformCzech, we consider our involvement in this project exceptionally significant. We are proud to have contributed to the most prominent international theatrical celebration to date of the 90th anniversary of Václav Havel’s birth and to have supported an initiative that connects Czech cultural heritage with the contemporary global theatre scene.
You can find Michal Lázňovský's report on the ceremony on the PerformCzech website.
