The Black Light Theater in Prague
Between shadows, sensations and optical illusions
Turn off the lights, draw back the curtains, begin.
Prague, the beating heart of the Czech Republic, a city full of history, amazing architecture and a magical atmosphere. A stroll through the Old Town of Prague takes you to an ancient time, with the picturesque streets, the ringing of church bells and the authentic pavement. Among the many attractions that the old town of Prague has to offer, there is a unique attraction that will take you to dive into visual worlds and make all your senses surrender to the mesmerizing experience. Welcome to the Black Theater in Prague.
The story of the black theater:
The story of the Black Theater, originally called the Black Light Theater, begins somewhere in ancient China. The first shows from which the ideas of the theater were drawn were actually created for the entertainment of the Chinese emperor, and the show was actually a shadow play - the Chinese used candlelight, with which they staged a shadow show on a white cloth screen. That's where the theater got its name - as the show was a black shadow show on a white screen illuminated by candlelight.
This style became popular, and in the 18th century this art spread to Japan, and other countries in the East.
In the 50s of the last century, a revolution took place in the world of the ancient black theater, with the invention of the ultraviolet lamp. The exciting innovation soon reached the various black light theaters that staged plays in new colors.
At that time, in Prague, Czechoslovakia at the time, a new and magical theater language was created - a new type of theater, offering possibilities and colors that were unknown until now. The state-of-the-art theater used ultraviolet lighting, attracting a wide audience who came to watch the innovative shows.
The secret of black light theater is ultraviolet light, also known as "black light", and dark theater halls wrapped in black cloth. Over the years the theater was upgraded and the directors understood how to create a spectacular visual show using colored lights in front of a gloomy black screen.
What does a show at the Black Theater look like?
A show at the Black Theater will take you on a fascinating and unique visual journey. The show is actually a story without words, a visual story that includes dance and movement, alongside lights, colors and optical illusions. The show is accompanied by a special original soundtrack, and it undoubtedly mesmerizes the senses of all its viewers.
All the actors in the show wear black costumes from A to Z - shirts, pants, gloves and masks, which only include openings for the eyes, which makes the "characters dressed in black" invisible to the viewer.
The stage itself is covered with meters of gloomy black fabric, and the fluorescent lights that are lit on the stage illuminate only objects painted in neon colors - and this is the secret of the theater's magic.
During the show, the black figures move objects painted in neon colors and create an optical illusion for viewers as if the objects are floating in the air. During the show you can witness "supernatural" things like a dancer floating in the air, and now the secret of the magic is revealed - a dancer wearing black is holding her and is invisible to the viewers.
The magical apparition actually relies on the magic of darkness - a powerful, yet fragile magic. A small ray of light is enough to cloud the magnificent show.
The latest WOW show:
Over the years, the theater has put on different and diverse performances, and in recent years the theater has been putting on the WOW show, a show that was very successful and received excellent reviews from all over the art and stage world.
Without too many spoilers, the WOW show tells the audience (without words of course) the story of a simple man who drifts into a surreal dream in which he meets various fascinating creatures and experiences a series of breathtaking adventures. The show is characterized by amazing optical illusions, spectacular colors, complex choreography and a unique soundtrack that creates fascinating action on stage.
Who is the show for?
The experience of watching the Black Theater shows is undoubtedly captivating and appeals to a wide variety of audiences. With its magical visual effects, fascinating story and friendly show themes, the theater provides a perfect visit for families with children, couples looking for an unforgettable romantic night out or groups of friends looking for an entertaining and unique experience. Art and theater lovers will appreciate the innovative combination of dance and pantomime alongside visual effects.
Also, the theater reflects the Czech culture to its viewers, so the experience will be wonderful for those who want to immerse themselves in the local culture and the local art scene in the city. The show is without lyrics, so the language barrier is not a difficulty, and the show can suit children, adults and basically anyone who wants an unforgettable evening in the heart of Prague's old town.
The Black Theater - important information:
The theater is in the heart of the Old Town of Prague, about a 5-minute walk from the famous Old Town Square.
Address: Theater Broadway Na Příkopě 31, Praha 1,.
The performances take place several times a week, at 20:00.
The duration of the show is 65 minutes.
It is forbidden to take pictures during the show.
Tickets must be ordered in advance
Important tips:
- Book tickets in advance- The WOW show at the Black Theater is considered a popular attraction in the city, and tickets for the show sell out quickly. It is recommended to order tickets in advance, which will save long standing in lines and guarantee your entrance to the show.
- They arrived about 30 minutes before the beginning of the show- The show doors open about 30 minutes before it starts. The seats in the hall are not marked, so the earlier you arrive, the better quality seats you will get.
- dress respectfully- The Black Theater does not have a dress code, coming to it does not require a suit or an elegant dress, but it should be remembered that it is advisable to come to the theater with respectable clothing, and try to avoid arriving with shorts and flip-flops.
- Combine the visit with an elegant dinner- A perfect evening out including watching the show followed by a pampering dinner. In the vicinity of the theater you can find wonderful restaurants, Like the V Zátiší restaurant, a gourmet restaurant in the old town. Café Imperial is also a wonderful idea, and also the restaurant U Modré Kachničky, which has two branches in the city specializing in complex Czech dishes, including wonderful duck dishes.
- Know where you are ending up- If you have read the article you are covered, you know what is unique about the theater and how the show looks and feels. Read the above article to all the guests of the show to prepare them for the great experience they are about to have.
In conclusion, whether you are a family who wants to enjoy a bonding evening, a couple who wants to experience a romantic evening, or travelers who want to absorb Czech culture at its best, come watch the mesmerizing show that for one hour will make you feel in another world, a visual world full of color and light.
