New book features Havel's reflections on theatre

Plzen, West Bohemia, Sept 16 (CTK) - A new book called Vaclav Havel on Theatre that contains his texts and reflections on theatre and dramatic works was officially unveiled at the international festival Theatre Plzen with which he was tied for many years as a member of its honorary presidium.

Havel, dissident and playwright, was Czechoslovak and Czech president in 1989-2003. He died last December, aged 75.

The book issued by the Vaclav Havel Library is destined not only for theatre experts, but also for the general public, book editor Anna Freimanova told CTK.

The selection of Havel's writings over a period of almost 60 years is divided into several thematic parts.

The preface was written by Martin Palous, director of the international programme of Havel's library.

He told CTK that "it was great to follow that Vaclav Havel's fundamental ideas originated back in the 1960s already. I realised that the thematic spheres of Havel's activities, whether it was theatre, philosophy, civic commitment or politics, are interconnected and form one whole," Palous told CTK.

The Theatre Plzen festival lasts until September 20. Its programme includes some 40 performances by leading foreign and domestic theatres.