Contemporary Czech drama meets historical reflection on gender identity and political freedom: photos of an award-winning play captured by Bruce CT Bybee.
This year's Rehearsal for Truth opened on May 26 and closed on June 15 with the critically acclaimed Blood, Sweat, and Queers. This new Czech play by Tomáš Dianiška follows the life of athlete Zdeněk Koubek: a complex journey of a world-record-setting track and field competitor who transitioned from female to male during a turbulent era marked by the rise of fascism and widespread discrimination.
Presented in English and directed by Edward Einhorn, co-produced by Untitled Theater Company No. 61, the production combines absurdist elements with historical narrative to highlight themes of identity, gender, and societal pressures that remain relevant today.
Awarded Czech Play of the Year at the Czech Theatre Critics’ Awards, we were proud to present the performance seven times as part of Rehearsal for Truth, gaining a recommendation from The New York Times among other outlets.
Two of the performances were accompanied bypost-show discussions: a talk with Professor Chris Harwood of Columbia University on the art of translation and Michael Waters, author of The Other Olympians, who explored Koubek’s life and the experiences of other trans and gender-fluid athletes of the time.
Enjoy our photo gallery featuring highlights captured by Bruce CT Bybee.
