The Žítková Goddesses

A new theatrical adaptation of a novel about jealousy, revenge and the inescapable past.  

Kateřina Tučková’s novel about witches from the Moravian village of Žítková is loosely based on true events, drawing inspiration from a number of historical documents. At the same time, however, it’s a thrilling detective story about searching for the past, uncovering unpleasant facts that perhaps should have remained unknown, and trying to find the roots of one’s own identity. Historical facts blend with fiction, resulting in a fascinating, almost bombastic story covering everything from witch trials, fanatic preachers and traditional rural life to Nazi cultists, collaborators and communist snitches, all the way to the present day. The novel is rightfully considered one of the most prominent recent pieces of Czech literature. It has won a number of prestigious awards, became one of the most frequently read Czech pieces of literature of all time and has been translated into over 12 languages. The remarkable story of women who, thanks to generations of inherited knowledge and experience, are able to heal and predict the future, is intertwined with the equally fascinating personal story of Dora Idesová, who attempts to uncover the secrets and roots of the goddesses at Žítková village and encounters unexpected connections. A universal story about the overt and hidden power of women that has been and is attributed to some of them by traditional societies, is presented in a new theatrical adaptation by Pod Palmovkou Theatre. 

Pre-premiere: 22th June 2018
Premiere: September 2018
Director: Michal Lang