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On 31 October 2026 the Josef Kajetán Tyl Theatre in Plzeň will stage, on its studio stage, the premiere of John Millington Synge's Irish tragicomedy The Playboy of the Western World. The play was translated by Martin Hilský, and the production, with the theatre's ensemble, was directed by Adam Doležal.[1][2]
The story is set in a remote pub where a young man, Christy Mahon, arrives and tells the locals that he has killed his father. Rather than being condemned, he is met with admiration, and overnight the timid stranger becomes a local celebrity whose favour the local women compete for. His reputation, however, rests on shaky foundations, and the crowd's enthusiasm can quickly turn to hatred.[1][2]
The lead role is played by Matěj Převrátil, a new member of the Plzeň drama ensemble, while his love interest, Margaret Flaherty, is played by Eliška Vocelová. Also appearing are Zdeněk Hruška, Apolena Veldová, Michal Štěrba and Matyáš Greif. The set was designed by Michaela Semotánová, the costumes by Agnieszka Pátá Oldak, and the music composed by Petr Zeman. According to director Doležal, society needs a hero to confirm its own identity, and such a need often arises out of some lack. The production does not transpose the story into the present day and retains its Irish setting; the set design works with austerity, earth and the damp, raw atmosphere of the countryside.[1][2]
The play had its world premiere in Dublin in 1907 and provoked protests from audiences who objected to its depiction of Irish rural life and its provocative humour. Plzeň audiences first saw it in 1947; it is now returning to the theatre's repertoire after 79 years.[1]