Comments about SETKÁNÍ/ENCOUNTER

MgA. Petr Michálek is the current rector of the Janáček Academy of Performing Arts and also a dramaturge, actor, and translator. For over ten years he held the position of director of the Zlín Municipal Theatre.

What is your view of the festival? What do you like about the festival?

Every time, I am moved by memories of the times when I was involved in the festival as a dramaturgy student. I still remember some inspiring performances, for example from Holland or Poland. Today, of course, my perspective is a little different, although the basic thing - attending the performance - remains.

What do you do – professional activities, projects, research, etc.? What does it consist of? What led you to this activity?

Apart from my activities as rector, which is a full-time job, I try not to lose touch with reality and practice - so as soon as I have a spare moment, I write. Writing is closest to my heart. My wife and I also founded the theatre Where Are You Going?

Has participating in the SETKÁNÍ/ENCOUNTER festival been in any way beneficial for you in your profession/projects?

Not only beneficial, but essential. Everything I do as a rector only makes sense in relation to the students. It is also my duty to think many years ahead, to set the direction, and this cannot be done without feedback from learners. ENCOUNTER is, in short, an excellent feedback loop.