What if I told you that tucked away in the Kobylisy district of Prague lies a tiny theatre with a giant heart? I’m talking about Divadlo Karla Hackera. This charming little venue, named after the passionate local teacher and patriot Karel Hacker, has graced this corner of Prague since 1913.
Divadlo Karla Hackera might be one of the smallest theatres in Prague, but don’t let its size fool you. It boasts a rich history, deeply intertwined with the love for puppetry and a dedication to both children’s entertainment and quality theatre for adults. It all began with Karel Hacker himself. He purchased a puppet stage and some antique puppets dating back to the 19th century. Imagine the tales those puppets could tell. The first production to grace the stage of what was then called Loutkové divadlo Národní jednoty severočeské was “Princess Oldřich and Božena.”
As the years passed and decades unfolded, Divadlo Karla Hackera, though known as Jiskra for a period after World War II, remained a cultural beacon in the community. It even faced closure during the world wars, a testament to the turbulent times Europe endured. But it survived.
Today, Divadlo Karla Hackera continues its legacy. It’s a place where children gather on weekends to witness the magic of puppetry brought to life by the resident Jiskra puppet company. During the week, school children and kindergarteners fill the 120-seat auditorium, their laughter and gasps of wonder echoing within its intimate walls. And in the evenings, the stage transforms to host classic plays, literary programs, and musical performances for adults, showcasing the diverse range of talent Divadlo Karla Hackera embraces.