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.

 

How Black Light Theatre Changed the World: HI(LT)story – The Story of Czech Stage Magic


 

How Black Light Theatre Changed the World: HI(LT)story – Prague Short Film I. (2025)

HILTstory Black Light Theatre Film Logo

For over half a century, Prague has been home to a unique art form that blends illusion, dance, and silent poetry— black light theatre.
But where did this world-famous phenomenon begin? And how did a small group of Czech artists turn the darkness into a magical stage that’s captivated audiences on every continent?

 

 

 

 

 

We invite you to discover the untold story of black light theatre in our new short film:
How Black Light Theatre Changed the World: HI(LT)story
A journey through centuries, continents, and the secret techniques that made Prague the capital of this enchanting genre.

What you’ll see:

  • The mysterious origins of shadow theatre in ancient Asia and the Middle East
  • Parisian experiments and the first magical “black cabinet” tricks
  • How Czech pioneers led by Jiří Srnec brought black light theatre to international fame
  • The evolution of the genre after 1989, when Prague became the beating heart of black light art
  • And the living legacy—today’s HILT Black Light Theatre, a company still pushing the boundaries of the possible

Why watch?
This film is not an advert, but a tribute to the Czech artists who created a global phenomenon. It’s a gift to fans, dreamers, and anyone curious about the secret language of light and movement.

The first part (8:20 min) gives you a fast, inspiring tour through history, legends, and milestones. A second, longer episode will dive deep into the personal journey of HILT: from the first wild idea to a modern Prague stage.

Watch, share, and join the story.
We’re proud that the light in the darkness still shines brightest in Prague.


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