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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.

 

HILT - the complete STORY

06/05/2024

About the HILT black light theatre group

from HILT black light theatre Prague
from HILT black light theatre Prague[1]

The black light theatre genre is a unique form of stage performance that takes place in complete darkness. In this type of show, only certain parts of the costumes and stage props glow against a black background, creating a mesmerizing visual effect. Dancers and objects appear to be flying, with the actors behind them covered in black suits from head to toe, adding to the illusion.

video from HILT black light theatre Prague[2]

The HILT Black Light Theater Prague[3], founded in 2007 by Theodor Hoidekr.[4] (actor, dancer and musician) and Štěpánka Pencová[5] (film actress, theater actress), has made a significant impact in the world of theater. From their first short show for "Motorola" in New Delhi, India, featuring Bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan, to their world premiere of "The Painted World"[6] at the international theater festival "Bharat Rang Mahotsav," the theater has showcased innovative performances that have captivated audiences globally. Over the years, they have collaborated with renowned artists such as Iveta Bartošová on her tour[7] and Karel Gott, and have performed in various Czech cities and theaters. Their unique performances like "Romeo and Juliet's Dream" and "Cinderella shadow theatre" have garnered critical acclaim and recognition, including awards at the World Theater Olympiad in New Delhi and in Mumbai. With a rich history of successful shows and international tours, the HILT Black Light Theater continues to push boundaries and mesmerize audiences worldwide.

HILT shows and tours history in dates

Website and social media

References

[13]

  1. ^ https://hilt-theatre.cz
  2. ^ https://hilt-theatre.cz/
  3. ^ Jump up to:a b https://hilt-theatre.cz/
  4. ^ https://g.co/kgs/mDDdTAQ
  5. ^ https://www.csfd.cz/tvurce/295816-stepanka-pencova/prehled/
  6. ^ "HILT black light theatre reference".
  7. ^ Jump up to:a b https://www.ahaonline.cz/clanek/zhave-drby/51476/exkluzivne-iveta-bartosova-44-jak-ji-neznate-zmenila-se-v-polednici-a-zahani-prizraky.html
  8. ^ https://www.hilt-theatre.cz/.sources/2893/cells/728844/312287/566x800_12.jpg?1714003169
  9. ^ https://www.hilt-theatre.cz/.sources/2893/cells/33390/25148/times2.jpg?1498085625
  10. ^ Jump up to:a b ""Black light theatre from Prague comes to Delhi"". The Times India.
  11. ^ Jump up to:a b https://www.hilt-theatre.cz/#:~:text=The%20Magic%20Comedy%20performance
  12. ^ https://www.hilt-theatre.cz/home/hilt-black-light-theatre-in-tv-shows/
  13. ^ https://www.hilt-theatre.cz/black-light-theatre-hilt-prague/press/
black light theatre prague theatre magic phantom comedy prague nightlife in prague theatre history stepanka pencova theodor hoidekr culture
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