Havel to attend US premiere of Leaving

Former Czech president Václav Havel, a playwright by profession, will attend the US premiere of his play Leaving on May 26, the Czech news agency has reported, saying he will accompanied by his wife Dagmar, and his personal secretary. The play is to premiere in the Wilma Theatre in Philadelphia. The main role is to be performed by actor David Strathairn. According to ČTK, the theatre, which is managed by a Czech-born couple, is one of the more respected in the US. The play Leaving by Mr Havel focuses on the difficulty of a politician’s giving up power after many years in office. Later this year, a film version, shot in the Czech Republic and directed by Mr Havel, is expected to go into production.