National Theatre Brno Successfully Represented Czechia in Japan
The Drama Ensemble of the National Theatre Brno has completed the largest international tour in its history. The production Mother by Karel Čapek was performed between May 28 and June 5, 2025, at the prestigious New National Theatre Tokyo and subsequently in the city of Sakai near Osaka as part of the accompanying cultural program of the World EXPO 2025. A total of 2,733 spectators attended the performances
Six sold-out performances in Tokyo and four encore shows in Osaka confirmed both the power of Čapek’s timeless anti-war drama and the high quality of the Czech ensemble from Brno. All performances were presented in Czech with Japanese and English surtitles.
"Performing at the New National Theatre Tokyo is a tremendous honor. The audience’s interest and the intensity of their reactions showed us that powerful stories transcend language and cultural boundaries," said Martin Glaser, Director of the National Theatre Brno.
A Powerful Theme, a Powerful Response
The production directed by Štěpán Pácl, featuring Tereza Groszmannová in the title role, resonated with Japanese audiences across generations. The reactions were immediate, emotional, and full of gratitude — both in Tokyo and Sakai, the atmosphere during and after the performances was exceptionally focused and intense.
Reflections on Mother appeared in leading Japanese media, including Yomiuri Shimbun, one of the country’s largest newspapers. A review was published by Professor Morihiro Niino, a specialist in European theatre. He explored both Čapek’s legacy and the director’s interpretation, highlighting Groszmannová’s performance as a precise portrayal of the character’s inner struggle and her resistance to the logic of violence.
Other media also praised the exceptionally strong acting, the contemporary stage design, and the unsettling relevance of Čapek’s 1938 message to the present day.
In a podcast by journalist and traveler Tomáš Poláček, who visited EXPO 2025 after three months of hitchhiking, Tereza Groszmannová remarked:
“I was surprised to find that the Japanese often know Karel Čapek better than we do.”
A Meeting of Cultures – On Stage and Beyond
A major added value of the tour was the depth of intercultural exchange. Behind the scenes, an exceptionally natural and open collaboration developed between the Czech and Japanese teams — from technical support to artistic departments. A shared respect for theatre and the professionalism of both sides created an environment in which the performances could truly flourish.
The program also included audience discussions, meetings with professionals, and educational activities. Milan Šotek, Artistic Director of the Czech Drama Ensemble, visited an elementary school in Sakai, where he introduced the children to Karel Čapek, Czech culture, and the concept of the “robot.” After the visit, some children said they wanted to become writers — like the Čapek brothers.
The tour was made possible with financial support from the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic.
The project’s partner was the non-profit organization Společně, o.p.s.
In Japan, audiences lined up to see the Brno ballet.
At the World EXPO, the Ballet of the National Theatre Brno premiered its new project NdB 3 and received an overwhelming response. Over the course of three days, the dancers performed ten times, attracting more than 3,000 visitors to the Czech Pavilion.
At the World EXPO 2025 in Osaka, the Ballet of the National Theatre Brno presented its new project NdB 3, a platform for exceptional performers of mature dance age. A total of seven dancers premiered two original choreographies — On the Overgrown Path by the Artistic Director of the NdB Ballet, and Capriccio by Japanese choreographer Megumi Nakamura. The choreographies combined compositions by Leoš Janáček, performed live by the Brno Philharmonic, joined by Czech piano virtuoso Ivo Kahánek.
Over the weekend of June 6, 7, and 8, each choreography was performed five times, making a total of ten performances. The Czech Pavilion welcomed 3,120 visitors for the shows.
“The Japanese audience was amazing. People queued for our performances, and due to the limited capacity of the venue, some couldn’t get in. We even heard that word spread across the EXPO that there was dance and live music in the Czech Pavilion, and many people tried to make their way to us. The audience was incredibly warm — it was a powerful experience, because launching this project at the EXPO is something we will all remember for the rest of our lives,” said Mário Radačovský, Artistic Director of the NdB Ballet.
The NdB 3 project brings together charismatic soloists whose careers have been closely tied to the National Theatres in Prague and Brno — Nikola Márová, Klaudia Radačovská, Ivona Jeličová, Ilia Mironov, Martin Svobodník, Thoriso Magongwe, and Petr Hos. These artists possess a wealth of experience gained through collaborations with renowned choreographers, exceptional stage presence, and qualities that younger dancers are only beginning to develop. By drawing on their experience, choreographers are able to create distinctive works that go beyond the standard repertoire in both content and interpretation.
Megumi Nakamura: Capriccio
This choreography consists of four short stories, but as a whole, it explores themes of love and poetry, as well as the tragedy of war in which lives are lost needlessly. The piece is intended as a requiem for those who have passed and a comforting song for those who remain.
Mário Radačovský: On an Overgrown Path
In his choreographic interpretation of Janáček’s On an Overgrown Path, Mário Radačovský deliberately emphasises the theme of omnipresent transience. Through subtle micro-narratives performed by seven dancers, he explores the relentless passage of allotted time and the sense of fate that, in a single moment, can transform the present into eternity through death. Janáček’s music, with its timeless essence and apparent simplicity, provides a perfect foundation for a choreographic line that carries a profound message of hope — that every ending is also a promise of a new beginning.
The Performances in the Czech National Pavilion Were Made Possible with Financial Support from the Office of the General Commissioner for EXPO 2025
“The fusion of dance with the music of Leoš Janáček, performed by ballet masters of the National Theatre Brno and accompanied live by soloists of the Brno Philharmonic, completely captivated the Czech Pavilion and offered Japanese and international visitors a deeply emotional artistic experience. The fully packed performances and enthusiastic audience reactions only confirm that live Czech culture is one of the most sought-after attractions at this year’s World EXPO,” says Přemysl Pela, Programme Director of Czechia’s participation at EXPO 2025.
“We are very pleased that, together with our partners such as the CTP Group and Lesy ČR, we contributed to making it possible for the National Theatre Brno to present itself not only in Osaka at EXPO 2025, but also in other locations across Japan. We strive to give maximum space to projects with international reach and to open doors further into Japan and the Indo-Pacific region. After all, that is the very purpose of world exhibitions and our participation in this event. Based on the absolutely enthusiastic responses from professionals, EXPO organizers, and visitors, we know that the performances by the National Theatre Brno delivered a truly breathtaking experience and are being recognized as world-class. This, in turn, helps to strengthen the reputation of the Czech National Pavilion and of Czechia itself,” adds Ondřej Soška, Commissioner General of Czechia’s participation at EXPO 2025.