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. |
HILT Black Light Theatre Finds Friendship and Success at Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2025 Through Collaboration with Indian Directors
The prestigious Bharat Rang Mahotsav festival, held in February 2025, proved to be a resounding success for the HILT black light theatre from the Czech Republic, forging lasting connections and showcasing the power of international artistic collaboration. Under the direction of Theodor Hoidekr, the HILT team navigated the complexities of staging their unique theatrical experience within the vibrant Indian landscape, a feat made infinitely smoother thanks to the invaluable support of Indian directors and theatre professionals.
The success of HILT’s performance at Bharat Rang Mahotsav hinged on the profound cooperation with Indian directors Swati Sharma Vyas and Sajal Mondal. Their expertise and understanding of the Indian theatrical scene were instrumental in ensuring a seamless integration of the HILT's vision into the festival's venues in Jaipur and New Delhi. These individuals acted as key stage managers, orchestrating the intricate set-up of stages, lighting, and projections for HILT’s visually stunning performance.
Theodor Hoidekr and Štěpánka Pencová, directors of the HILT black light theatre, expressed their immense gratitude for the intercontinental artistic exchange. They emphasized that the collaboration transcended professional boundaries, evolving into a deep and cherished friendship between the Czech and Indian teams. Despite the demanding hours required to prepare the elaborate stagecraft for the large Indian venues, the shared passion for theatre and the camaraderie fostered an environment of collaborative excellence. The final result, they noted, was a perfect showcase of the HILT black light theatre artistry.
Sajal Mondal, a Mumbai-based actor, director, and teacher with an impressive 30+ years of experience, brought a wealth of knowledge and a warm spirit to the project. An alumnus of the National School of Drama (NSD, 2011), Sajal has worked extensively in Hindi and Bengali cinema, directed numerous theatre productions, and taught aspiring artists at Lovely Professional University and Dibrugarh University. The HILT team particularly lauded Sajal’s warmhearted nature and his unwavering commitment to the project.
Swati Sharma Vyas, a Jodhpur-based actress and director with a background from Maharaja Sayajirao University and the National School of Drama, further exemplified the spirit of collaboration. Theodor Hoidekr was particularly impressed by Swati's quick grasp of the specific needs of his black light theatre production and her infectious sense of humour, making the entire process a joy.
The HILT black light theatre team is delighted to maintain friendly and ongoing contact with both Sajal Mondal and Swati Sharma Vyas through social media, solidifying the lasting bonds forged during the Bharat Rang Mahotsav. This experience serves as a powerful testament to the enriching potential of international artistic collaboration and the beauty that can emerge when cultures unite through the shared language of theatre.
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