The Beggar's Opera is performed at the Miller Theater at Columbia University. Directed by Amy Trumpetter (known for her work with the Bread and Puppet Theater) and Sergei Zemtsov, the production features a huge cast of 25 student actors and puppeteers.

In Havel’s adaptation of this classic play, Macheath, Peachum, and the rest are in a world ruled by an oppressive, powerful bureaucracy, which by its very nature takes away its citizens’ humanity. Actors, large puppets and live music expose a farcical underworld, reverberating with cynical overtones familiar today.

As our closing event, Uncle Moon will play The Velvet Underground and Nico (aka, The Banana Album) with special guest Michelle Shocked singing the Nico songs at Joe's Pub on December 4 at 9:30. Buy tickets. Note: Tickets to this event are not included with a festival pass.

President Havel with Trey Kay of Uncle Moon on the anniversary of the Velvet Revolution. Photo by William Sullivan Niederkorn.

In case you missed some of the outstanding feature articles about the festival:

Eric Grode has a wonderful and very in-depth piece, The Playwright President, in the New York Sun.

Randy Gener of Time Out New York previews the festival in Bounced Czech.

The Village Voice has an article about Havel and his relationship with New York City in Foreign Intelligence by Andy Propst.

and

Michael Criscuolo of NYTheatre.com sat down for a podcast interview with with Edward Einhorn, Henry Akona and Ian W. Hill.

Henry Akona, assistant artistic director, Edward Einhorn, artistic director and President Havel at the celebration on the anniversary of the Velvet Revolution at the Brick Theater. Photo by William Sullivan Niederkorn.

Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright with members of Uncle Moon at Velvet Revolution celebration.