Blog HILT | HILT black light theatre Prague
Welcome to the official blog of HILT Black Light Theatre! I'm Theodor, the director behind this unique and captivating art form. Here, I'll share with you my insights, experiences, and inspirations as we journey through the world of black light theatre. From behind-the-scenes stories to artistic musings, I'll give you a glimpse into the creative process and the magic that happens when shadows come alive under the glow of black light. Stay tuned for updates on our upcoming performances, workshops, and other projects that showcase the mesmerizing beauty of this timeless art form.
Bronze and Dreams: The Unique Alchemy of Theodor Hoidekr & Štěpánka Pencová – Founders of HILT Black Light Theatre
Some stories begin with a spark. Ours began in Prague, in 2001, when a tall, energetic dreamer named Theodor Hoidekr joined the black light theatre “WOW show” as a dancer and later as a production assistant. In the first season, a newcomer named Štěpánka Pencová entered the troupe. She was smaller in stature, bursting with curiosity, new to the stage, and quick to laugh at life’s absurdities.
They were cast together in a surreal fairy tale: Theo as the dreaming man, Štěpánka as the magical goblin guiding him through worlds of wonder. The chemistry was instant – not just on stage, but in life. Different as copper and tin, but destined to become something stronger together.
Over time, their friendship grew beyond theatre.
They shared secrets, dreams, late-night rehearsals and laughter in the wings. Both stood out from the crowd: Theo, openly gay and never hiding his heart; Štěpánka, fearless and proudly unique. Their differences – in height, in style, in spirit – became their greatest strength.
In 2007, that friendship became a theatre. Together, Theodor and Štěpánka founded HILT Black Light Theatre. But what truly made HILT special was never just the lights and illusions. It was the family they built – a family that grew to include their partners, their “children” (the company members), and everyone who stepped on stage or into the audience.
Theo’s husband Martin is both actor and chief technician at HILT; Štěpánka’s husband František, whom she met years ago filming “The Chronicles of Narnia,” brings his film production magic behind the scenes.
Both partners fully respect the deep bond between Theodor and Štěpánka – they know that the heart of HILT is this unique, creative friendship, and that the theatre’s spirit can’t be manufactured or copied.
Even today, HILT’s casting process is different. New members are chosen not just for talent, but for their character. “We always say: personality is more important than perfection. We are a family first.”
That’s why the atmosphere on and off stage feels alive, real, and full of joy.
So when you visit HILT – whether from Prague or anywhere in the world – you’re not just seeing a performance.
You’re stepping into a story born from fate, courage, and a friendship that melted two unlikely souls into something extraordinary.
This is HILT. This is family. Welcome home.
- Comments are empty.
