Prague Celebrations to commemorate Václav Havel

Prague, Nov 25 (CTK) - The Celebrations of Prague on December 7-8 will be devoted to the memory of Vaclav Havel, dissident, playwright and the first Czech president, who died on December 18, 2011, aged 75, organiser of the event Robert Kozler has told CTK.

He said Na tahu Theatre will perform Havel's Audience (free entry) and candidates of the first direct presidential election, to be held in January, will meet for a debate in the National Theatre in Prague, Kozler siad.

"Because we will be marking the first anniversary of the first Czech president's demise and because the campaign ahead of the first direct election of the head of state will be culminating, the cultural programme will combine with a serious debate of the presidential candidates," Kozler said.

He said the debate in the New Building of the National Theatre will start at 18:00 on December 7.

Participation has been promised by Sovereignty chairwoman Jana Bobosikova, Jiri Dienstbier (Social Democrats, CSSD), economist Vladimir Dlouhy, actress Tatana Fischerova (independent) musician and artist Vladimir Franz (independent), Premysl Sobotka (Civic Democrats, ODS) and Milos Zeman (Party of Citizens' Rights, SPOZ).

On December 8, some Prague galleries and museums will be open for free or they will offer important discounts.

The Celebrations of Prague will be held for the fourth time this year. More information at www.oslavyprahy.cz.