Theodor is Back! HILT Returns to the Stage on May 1st
Date: April 15, 2026
We have wonderful news to share! After a period of serious injury and hospitalization, our director and lead actor, Theodor, is finally back home. He is already seated at his production computer, preparing everything for our grand return.
The entire HILT black light theatre team is incredibly excited to welcome our audiences back starting May 1st, 2026. From this date, we will resume our regular performance schedule for the remainder of the year.
As a special thank you for your support, we are introducing our renewed 3D UV projections. We have pushed the limits of visual magic—our new technology creates such a seamless experience that you won't be able to tell the difference between reality and the projection.
We can't wait to see you in the magic of the darkness again!
Your HILT Team
27.3.2026: 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.
I was hospitalized and underwent surgery, and due to complications the procedure had to be repeated on April 8, 2026. I am now expecting to be discharged to home care any day, where I will begin responding to all emails and handling necessary matters from my home office together with my assistant.
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 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. |
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. It wasn't an easy journey to establish this "home scene," complete with regular performances, but HILT's dedication has transformed a historic space into a haven for interactive and unforgettable theatre.
The path wasn't always smooth. In the early days, HILT collaborated with various theatre venues, including the popular "Radek Brzobohatý Theatre." However, challenges arose with production logistics and differing visions, prompting HILT to seek alternative stages. Like many theatre groups in Prague, HILT navigated numerous venue changes, typically performing in spaces accommodating 100-300 visitors. While these venues allowed them to share their art with a wider audience, maintaining their core mission of audience interaction proved difficult.
The COVID-19 pandemic delivered a devastating blow, shuttering theatres and halting performances. Of the ten black light theatre productions that existed before the pandemic, only four were ready to restart afterward. The years of uncertainty and hardship took their toll on actors, managers, and production teams alike. For HILT's director, Theodor Hoidekr, this meant returning to his roots, working in stores and as a bartender. Yet, even during these challenging times, Hoidekr channeled his creativity, designing and producing anti-COVID masks for hospitals and those in need, and streaming free online performances to keep the theatre's name alive and provide entertainment to a locked-down world.
Post-pandemic, Hoidekr made a pivotal decision: to rent a space in the historic center of Old Prague. This unique venue, with its 15th-century stone walls and ceilings, offered a palpable sense of history and intimacy. With a seating capacity of just 50, it meant performing more shows per day and week. However, the smaller scale allowed for something truly special: unparalleled interaction with the audience. Partner Štěpánka Pencová and the rest of the HILT team embraced the vision of offering tourists not only black light theatre but also an immersive experience within a mystical, historic setting.
Their current show, "Images of Love" (premiered October 2024), was specifically crafted by Hoidekr for this intimate space. It emphasizes direct connection and interaction with the audience. Most visitors appreciate the unique charm and how it contrasts with the impersonal nature of world-class theatre in large venues. Some, unaware of HILT's interactive mission and the venue's historical significance, might dismiss it as "amateur in a cellar". However, most visitors embrace the unique experience, and the theatre enjoys success every evening.
"For me, all this time in the theatre is about sharing a world of emotions with the audience."
Theodor Hoidekr highlights the emotional connection that is built with the public during each performance.
While HILT cherishes its Prague home, their show have been already successful on an India international festival in large venues in New Delhi and in Jaipur; they continue to tour to large venues both in the Czech Republic and internationally. The thrill of performing for thousands is undeniable, but the intimate connection forged in their Prague theatre is irreplaceable. It's this duality that defines HILT: a company capable of commanding grand stages and, simultaneously, creating magic in the smallest of spaces. Some have even dubbed them "the biggest show in the smallest theatre in Prague," an apt description for a group that defies expectations and redefines the theatre experience.
Hoidekr emphasizes that his team is adaptable and dedicated to ensuring a captivating experience regardless of the venue. This flexibility stems from his multi-faceted role as director, choreographer, and designer, allowing him to tailor the show to fit any stage. HILT's journey, from touring company to Prague's hidden gem, is a testament to their passion, resilience, and unwavering commitment to creating unforgettable theatrical moments, no matter the size of the audience.
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