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A new circus company in the Czech capital that is eager to perform despite the coronavirus pandemic is doing five-minute shows on a stage behind a window.
Key points:
- The troupe has already given 10 performances
- Each of the shows has been unique
- Coronavirus infections have started to decline in the Czech Republic after rising to record levels
With all of Prague's theatres shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic, the La Putyka Circus adapted a practice that restaurants are using to stay in business.
The circus is inviting spectators to watch its acts through a street-side "window of culture", mimicking the take-out windows some eateries have opened while banned from serving customers at tables.
The troupe delivered 10 performances on Tuesday and another 10 on Wednesday, each one different to the others.
Jugglers, acrobats and other company members remain inside a theatre, with a wall separating them from their audience.
"This performance is for people addicted to live culture," La Putyka director Rosta Novak said.
"So they can get their dose of live culture and then they can go back to their big cities, homes or jobs."
The shows were all free but audience members had to book a place in advance due to a very limited number of seats, which all got reserved.
"I kind of liked it," Martina Novotna, one of the spectators, said.
"It felt very private and as if the performance was just for you. So that was a pleasant change."
However Ms Novotna said she would prefer a regular performance over one circumscribed by the pandemic.
"We wish that the theatre could go on normally and not only for five minutes," she said.
"We could enjoy it without the face masks, as we did before."
That might take a while.
Confirmed coronavirus infections in the Czech Republic recently rose for more than two months to record levels.
They are now, however, starting to decline again.
The nation's Health Minister is expected to seek an extension to the state of emergency allowing the Government to keep its public health measures in place.
Public gatherings of more than two people who are not family members are banned in the Czech Republic.
Along with theatres and restaurants, schools and many other venues in the nation are closed to contain the recent surge in reported infections.
AP