Theodor, main dancer and director of HILT, was violently attacked — now hospitalized with multiple fractures. April shows cancelled

Theodor, main dancer and director of HILT, is currently in a critical condition and unable to perform or manage regular operations. He remains immobilized due to serious injuries and is only able to work in very limited capacity for short periods of time. All shows are cancelled until the end of April 2026.

I am not going into details of what exactly happened. This is the first moment I am physically able to at least write a short update, so that our audience clearly understands why we are not performing and why it is simply not possible at this time.

Two days after the incident, still under strong pain medication, I completed three performances in one day as part of our Czech tour at the Municipal Theatre in Jablonec nad Nisou, for approximately 1500 spectators. In severe pain, I returned to Prague during the night, believing it was only bruising.

The following morning, I had to call emergency services. Medical examinations revealed two fractured ribs, one of them displaced, along with additional injuries causing serious breathing difficulties.

After short hospitalization, I was released to home care, but I am under constant assistance. My partner and colleague Martin is taking care of me daily, alongside other members of the HILT team who are helping in shifts. In recent days, production assistant Dana has been assisting, and even our youngest performer František has taken night shifts to ensure I am not left alone.

Since the founding of HILT 18 years ago, I have personally managed all core operational access, including booking systems and financial controls, for security reasons. Despite my condition, I have managed to stop all ticket sales until the end of April and have started working, step by step, on refunds.

On March 27, 2026, the first unaware visitors arriving at our Prague theatre learned about the situation directly at the entrance.

Everything is currently very complicated. I am able to work less than an hour per day with assistance. Most of the time I remain lying down, in pain even under medication, alternating between short periods of sleep. I am not taking phone calls and I try to avoid speaking due to breathing difficulties. I will begin responding to selected urgent emails as soon as possible.

HILT Black Light Theatre

Black light theatre glow figure

Black light theatre is wordless stage magic: under UV light, black-clad performers “disappear,” so masks, puppets and glowing objects seem to move by themselves.

It’s pure visual storytelling—playful, surprising, and understood by any audience.

HILT is a world-traveling ensemble performing this craft on major stages and festivals.
In Prague we share it in an intimate, historic venue with 50 seats, inviting you close to the light born from darkness.

 

New summer music single in Spanish: HILT teatro negro

©HILT black light theatre Prague Entra a la Oscuridad | HILT teatro negro Praga | new singl summer 2025 Music and text: Theodor Hoidekr (HILT black light theatre) Spanish translation and music mastering: AI

From World Stages to a Prague Cellar: HILT's Intimate Black Light Revolution

HILT black light theatre, originally conceived as a touring company, has carved a unique niche for itself. While their mesmerizing performances have captivated audiences in large venues around the world, their heart lies in a more intimate setting: an exclusive, 50-seat theatre nestled in the heart of Old Prague.

Czech Black Light Theatre HILT Dazzles Central America

Prague/Guatemala City, April 1, 2023 – České divadlo HILT, a renowned black light theatre troupe from Prague, has captivated audiences in Central America with a sold-out performance at the Teatro Nacional in Guatemala City on March 28, 2023. The theatre, an iconic venue capable of seating 2,000 patrons, was packed as the Czech company presented its signature brand of visual storytelling.

Czech Actress Štěpánka Pencová Shines on Stage and Screen, Championing Black Light Theatre and Animal Welfare

Prague, Czech Republic - Štěpánka Pencová, born Štěpánka Volfová on November 11, 1981, in Brandýs nad Labem, has carved a successful and diverse career in acting, defying limitations and becoming a prominent figure in the Czech arts scene. Currently residing in Prague, Pencová’s journey is a testament to her talent and dedication.

HILT Black Light Theatre Dazzles at Private Event in Prague's Hotel Ambassador

Prague, Czech Republic - October 26, 2024 - The world-renowned HILT Black Light Theatre brought its captivating performance to the Hotel Ambassador in Prague for a private V.I.P. event hosted by Ille Papier-Service GmbH. The exclusive show was a resounding success, leaving attendees spellbound with its mesmerizing blend of artistry and illusion.

HILT Black Light Theatre Takes on True Crime in Sold-Out O2 Arena Performance

On November 24th, 2025, the HILT black light theatre company etched its name in entertainment history by becoming a central feature in a live performance of the wildly popular Czech podcast, "True Crimes," at Prague's O2 Arena. The event, a testament to the podcast's devoted fanbase, completely sold out, packing the venue with a staggering 20,000 enthusiastic attendees.

HILT Dazzles Shanghai with Porsche Taycan Launch Show

The Czech black light theatre HILT Prague has achieved international acclaim by winning a competition to create a show for the unveiling of the Porsche Taycan electric vehicle in Shanghai, China. This success underscores the global recognition of the Czech school of black light theatre, particularly as the unveiling of Porsche's first electric car, a direct competitor to Tesla, was eagerly awaited by the automotive world.

Theodor Hoidekr (44): When the Black Light Theatre Becomes Life Itself

While the demands of theatre direction are significant, Hoidekr finds balance in the simple joys of life. He's a passionate cook, finds solace in the escapism of crazy comedy films, and harbors a deep love for travel, eager to explore new places and cultures around the globe.

Behind the Glow: The Grueling Demands of International Black Light Theatre

For HILT's team of actors and directors, touring the globe is far from a glamorous vacation. It’s a demanding gauntlet of long flights, rushed transports between airports, hotels, and theaters, and relentless rehearsals stretching into the late hours. Sleep becomes a precious commodity, sacrificed to the crucial task of transforming a darkened stage into a canvas of illuminated wonder.

A Universal Language for a Global Audience

Imagine a theatre filled with a global mix of people: travelers who speak different languages, families with young children, and seasoned theatregoers all captivated by the same performance. This is the power of Black Light Theatre, a style that emphasizes visual storytelling through the clever use of black light, UV-reactive materials, and skilled performers.

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