Czech culture this week: Khamoro Festival begins and Barrandov Studio opens for tours

Tours of Barrandov Studio, including the medieval village, start on June 4 and take place every Saturday and Sunday at 10 am and 4 pm. Capacity is limited, so reservations are recommended. You will also see an exhibition on the history of the studio. Read more here.

Czech-Canadian scientist and economist Václav Smil explains basically everything in How the World Really Works: A Scientist’s Guide to Our Past, Present and Future, which is available in English from several local book vendors. The author conveys complex concepts in simple terms to help the read unravel answers to complex questions about modern life.

Who doesn't like a surprise? At Blind Date With Aero, you don't find out what the film is until it starts, and you pay when it is over. All you know is that the screening is English-friendly and appropriate for people over 15 years old. It takes place on June 1 at 8:30 pm. Read more, but not much more, here.

Hear the jazz-reggae quartet Mayflowers, led by multi-instrumentalist Bharata Rajnošek, at Jazz Republic on May 30. The club has a free entry policy during the week to encourage people to discover jazz, but reservations are recommended. Read more here.

Prague International Blue Night no. 141 presents Southern Avenue, a blues a soul ensemble that takes its name from a street in the hometown of Memphis, Tennessee. They will be at Palác Akropolis on June 1 with music from their new album “Be The Love You Want.” Read more here and here.

Experience the Romani culture at the Khamoro festival, which runs to June 4 at various venues. The festival, the largest of its type in the world, has several musical events including a gala concert at divadlo Archa. There is also a children’s day at Portheimka in Smíchov parade on Wenceslas Square, both on June 3. Read more here.

German industrial band Einstürzende Neubauten finally brings their long-delayed celebration of 40 years together to Forum Karlín on May 31. They will be playing material from their new(ish) album "Alles in Allem," released in 2020. Read more here and here.

The summer stage at Convent of St. Agnes (Kláster Sv. Anezky) starts its season on May 30 with Losers Cirque Company premiering the new acrobatic musical. "Heaven," (Nebesa). New circus and musical acts will appear throughout the summer, and while the performances are very visual there is sometimes a language barrier. The shows are presented in cooperation with divadlo Bravo! Read more here.

Good food is no joking matter, but you can still have a laugh at Manifesto Anděl. The venue is launching a comedy night, and the first show, on June 2, is Czechmates, about life in the Czech Republic. It stars local comic Luke Ryan along with Grant Gallacher, Brian Lennon a Sean Reardon. Read more here.

Czechs just launched an educational microsatellite into space, and the country has a long fascination with space travel. You can see a very Czech take on the early space program in Laika, a puppet animation work that speculates on what would happen if Laika and other animals launched into space went through a black hole and found an idyllic planet. At least until humans turn up. It streams with English subtitles on Netflix.

Children’s Day at Žluté lázně comes on May 31 starting at 10 am. Little ones can look forward to workshops and sports, and a fairytale trail with tasks, obstacles, and mystical creatures. Read more here.

Little pirates can go on a Pirate Treasure Hunt at Manifesto Anděl on June 1, starting at 3 pm. The two-hour workshop includes a glass of prosecco (for the accompanying adult) and a juice for the child. Read more here.

The Old Burgrave's House (Staré Purkrabství) at Vyšehrad will host events for little ones on June 1 from 10 am. Indoor events require a ticket, and some are sold out. But the outdoor program is open to more people and has a voluntary admission. Read more here.

Several programs take place throughout the day at Prague Market (Pražská tržnice) on June 1, with topics ranging from robotics and science, basics of animation, comic book illustration, and circus disciplines. There’s also theater and entertainment. Read more here.  

At Náplavka (Rašínovo nábřeží) on June 1 from 10 am, children can look forward to face painting, jugglers, workshops, games, and a carousel. Read more here.

Children can spend the day with the police at Prague Zoo on June 1 from 9 am to 7 pm. There will be face painting, stilt walking, theater, and workshops. Read more here.