ENC Christmas Party: Icy Whirl

On Monday, December 8, 2025, the venue Kabinet MÚZ hosted the first public event of the International Festival of Theatre Schools SETKÁNÍ/ENCOUNTER 2026. Conceived as a Christmas party and an informal gathering, the evening brought together students, organizers, and members of the public.

Before the space officially opened to visitors, an internal meeting of the organizing team took place, bringing together students of theatre production and stage technology. The meeting was opened with welcoming remarks by Festival Director Kateřina Halamíčková and the Dean of the Theatre Faculty of JAMU, Professor Blanka Kolegar. 

The public programme began at 7:30 p.m. with a brief opening led by Festival Director Kateřina Halamíčková alongside Festival Economist Hana Severinová. In their speeches, they introduced the upcoming edition of the festival and invited guests to the International Festival of Theatre Schools SETKÁNÍ/ENCOUNTER 2026, which will take place from April 14 to 18, 2026. 

The musical programme of the evening was opened by the band Na kolejích kočka, whose energetic and playful performance immediately drew the audience into the festive atmosphere. Their catchy melodies, familiar to many in the crowd, set the tone for the evening from the very first minutes. 

They were followed by The Queues, who seamlessly picked up the momentum and further intensified the energy of the night. Enthusiastic reactions from the audience quickly spread to the dance floor, which soon filled with lively dance moves. 

The final musical act of the evening was Caramel, whose performance carried a distinctly personal touch. The band’s lead singer is a student at JAMU, a fact that was reflected in the close and natural connection with the audience, many of whom were already well acquainted with his work. 

The ENC Christmas Party thus offered not only a first taste of the festival atmosphere, but also a welcoming space for students, organizers, and the public to meet in a relaxed and friendly spirit. 

A big thank-you goes to all members of the OFF Programme team, whose work ensured the smooth preparation and execution of the evening. We are already looking forward to future meetings, parties, and activities that the International Festival of Theatre Schools SETKÁNÍ/ENCOUNTER 2026 will bring this April. We wish everyone all the best in the new year and look forward to seeing you again. 

Photo: Klára Prchalová