Václav Havel’s "Leaving" sees world premiere

Václav Havel’s "Leaving", the playwright and former president’s first play in two decades, premiered successfully on Thursday evening at Prague’s Archa Theatre. The staging has already received praise from a number of Czech critics. On the eve of premiere, Mr Havel, 71, joked he had never seen so many journalists - who got a sneak preview – at a cultural event. "Leaving" is directed by David Radok and stars Czech-born actor Jan Tříska in the role of a top politician leaving office. Zuzana Stivínová replaced actress Dagmar Havlová, Mr Havel’s wife, in the play after she withdrew citing overwork. An English-language staging of the play is being prepared for this autumn at London’s Orange Tree Theatre.