Václav Havel to attend US premiere of his latest play “Leaving”

Former Czech president and playwright Václav Havel, will attend the premiere of his latest play, Leaving, in the United States at the end of the month. The 73-year-old author is also preparing for a new role – in July, he will direct a film version of the play

When Václav Havel left Prague Castle in 2003 after two terms in office, he looked forward to having more time for his writing and other theatre activities. But the former head of state says he soon realized that you are the president for a five-year-term, but you are a former president of the rest of your life.

Despite his busy schedule, Mr Havel has attended the premieres of his latest play, Odcházení, or Leaving, in several countries, including Slovakia, Poland and the UK. On May 26, the ex-president will also be there for the play’s premiere at the Wilma Theatre in Philadelphia, in the US.

“I just spoke to Jiří Žižka, a Czech-born American, who is directing the play in Philadelphia, and I asked him how it was proceeding, and he said he was very happy with the progress. I’ve known his theatre for years, it has a very good reputation, and some of the actors have been nominated for Oscars, so it seems it will be interesting. We’ll see.”

In the US production, Academy-Award nominee David Strathairn will lead the cast in the part of ex-chancellor Vilém Reiger. For the actor, ‘Leaving’ is a second Havel experience. On the theatre’s website, David Strathairn describes his understanding of the play.

David Strathairn in 'Leaving', photo: www.wilmatheater.org

“Some people say, and Havel said it himself, that this piece was a tragedy. Well, it’s very funny, but it’s also very absurdist, and could be a kind of propaganda piece. It could be a history play. All of these things are in there, so it’s very complex, and our challenge is how we’re going to keep all those balls in the air. And if we do, I think we’ll honour his work, and it’ll a delightful evening.”

For the playwright, the various takes on his original text have always been very exciting.

“I have been writing theatre plays for several decades, and in my experience it’s always a great secret – who the play appeals to, and where and how. Half of it gets lost in translation but it gains new meanings people find in it in that particular country that the author had no idea were there. I’ve seen my plays in various countries of the world and I was always surprised – which I enjoyed – by how much got lost and how much it gained. Of course I have no idea who the play will appeal to in the US, but that makes me look forward to the premiere even more.”

This summer, Václav Havel will direct a feature film based on the play ‘Leaving’, starring his wife Dagmar, and other acclaimed Czech actors. But Mr Havel says he is already thinking about a new play.

Václav Havel

“I am now focused on the film. I decided to direct the play ‘Leaving’ as a film, and at the age of 73, I will become a film director, which I have secretly wanted to be all my life. So for the first time, I will interpret my own text. Until now, my plays have been interpreted by others. If everything turns out fine and if I survive, I’d like to write one more play – I’ve already thought it through a little.”

For more details on the US premiere of ‘Leaving’, go to www.wilmatheater.org.