Centre for Arts and Play work
in Palliative Care
Theatre in hospitals
and hospices
An encounter with art can enhance the quality of life for anyone. But seriously ill individuals often cannot go to the theatre. That’s why at Vlaštovka, we create theatrical performances for both child and adult patients in a way that is adapted to the specific environment in which they take place—always with respect for the patient’s energy level, physical and emotional condition, and current capacities. Our performances bring themes that can support patients and their families, offer moments of lightness and playfulness, and provide distraction and comfort.
Each performance is grounded in the principles of child life and play-based work in palliative care. Through theatre and play, we encourage communication, offer opportunities for personal choice, provide sensory stimulation, and create joyful shared experiences for families—whether at home, in a hospital, or in a hospice setting.
Each performance is delivered by a single actor, right at the bedside of the patient—whether in their own room or another peaceful space where the viewer feels safe and at ease.
A celebration under the stars
A seaside theatre tale about discovering the true meaning of friendship. A seagull lives alone in a little boat anchored in the bay. He has a very important job—he collects messages sealed in bottles drifting across the sea and delivers them, registered and carefully, to the right recipients. He enjoys his solitude, but sometimes he feels that something is missing. He has a secret wish: he has always dreamed that one day, a message in a bottle would be meant just for him. But such a message never came. Until one day… he finds an invitation to a celebration. But there’s a catch—it doesn’t say who it’s for. Determined to find the true recipient, he sets off on a journey.
What he discovers in the end, though, is a treasure far greater than he ever imagined...
Created and performed by: Michaela Váňová
Music composed by: Ondřej Rychlý
Set designed by: Anna Gumboldt
Recommended age: 4+
Duration: 20 min + play and discussion
Premiere: 9 April 2024
Prague, Czech Republic
A celebration under the stars
A seaside theatre tale about discovering the true meaning of friendship. A seagull lives alone in a little boat anchored in the bay. He has a very important job—he collects messages sealed in bottles drifting across the sea and delivers them, registered and carefully, to the right recipients. He enjoys his solitude, but sometimes he feels that something is missing. He has a secret wish: he has always dreamed that one day, a message in a bottle would be meant just for him. But such a message never came. Until one day… he finds an invitation to a celebration. But there’s a catch—it doesn’t say who it’s for. Determined to find the true recipient, he sets off on a journey.
What he discovers in the end, though, is a treasure far greater than he ever imagined...
Created and performed by: Michaela Váňová
Music composed by: Ondřej Rychlý
Set designed by: Anna Gumboldt
Recommended age: 4+
Duration: 20 min + play and discussion
Premiere: 9 April 2024
Prague, Czech Republic
Where the Ocean ends
An adventurous tabletop theatre performance tells the story of Augustus, a little penguin who gets lost while fishing in the vast ocean and tries to find his way back home. He sails through unfamiliar places, meets new friends, and experiences moments of joy he would never have known had he stayed in the safety of home. But when the sun sets and Augustus begins to lose strength… then what?
Which way leads home? And what does "home" really mean? How do we want Augustus’s story to end?
Created and performed by: Michaela Váňová
Music composed by: Marek Doubrava
Set design collaboration: Bára Meda Řezáčová
Duration: 25 min + discussion
Premiere: 12 August, 2020
Prague, Czech Republic
