Eliška Balog: We may never be able to penetrate certain aspects

Jakub Molnár: We came a long way in developing the basic concept and script – from documentary films to academic literature. When and what inspired you to start forming a more concrete idea of the production?

Eliška Balog: Probably the first important source was the book Internet zvířat (The Internet of Animals), which, although it did not directly influence the final version of the script, played a significant role in broadening my view of nature and its marginalization in society. Then I started finding various pictures of pets or traces of nature in apartment complexes or similar places. I don't think I've studied this much material for any other production as I did for the Hooves.

Eliška Balog at rehearsal for My Hooves Have Already Torn Up the Ground, Husa na provázku Theater
Photo: Jakub Šnajdr

The script includes a number of intertextual references, including to Jeffrey Eugenides' novel The Virgin Suicides. What prompted you to include these references, and what did this prose allow you to explore?

At first, I remembered the film of the same name, and to be honest, I had no idea that it was based on a book. It's a story about the isolation of otherness, which struck me as the key to better understanding our storyline with Eva and her specific experiences. The Virgin Suicides allowed me to incorporate into the production the element of the endless dying of others, important perspectives on the world—perspectives that we don't even have time to look at today.

Could you describe what the parallel between the natural world and the experiences of neuroatypical people means to you? How is it meaningful and inspiring to you?

Six months ago, I found this parallel in several areas — for example, in focusing on details or defending one's personal space. I read books like Animals in Translation, where a biologist — herself on the autism spectrum — comes to terms with her perception of animal speech and behavior, and I felt like I had found some clear answers. But thanks to Eva and her interaction with my cat Emilka, I came to the conclusion that the parallel lies primarily in a specific form of communication – one that is engaging to enter into, but in which a bit of mystery always remains. That is why the cat is part of the production, as I cannot expect any "rehearsed" behavior from her. Maybe she'll just sleep during the performance. It is important to break down the idea of humans as the center of the universe and, on the contrary, to admit that there are some aspects we may never be able to penetrate. And that's okay.

Rehearsal of My Hooves Have Already Torn Up the Ground, Husa na provázku Theater
Photo: Jakub Šnajdr

Working with non-actors is nothing new for you. How do you adapt your rehearsal methods in such cases?

I've found that the longer I work with non-actors, the less I compromise. Of course, I take various specifics into account, but I want to treat them as partners — without prejudice or hasty concerns. That's why I'm not afraid to ask them to do unusual things. With Eva, I can develop complex images, and even if she sometimes says she can't do something, at least we can both say that we tried, that we didn't give up and that we went for it.

This is your first time working at Provázek, but I feel like you quickly settled in with the ensemble and found a "common language." What does this experience mean to you — both personally and professionally?

This is perhaps the first time I have worked with a theater where I feel comfortable not only with the creative team, actors, and management, but also with the office and technical staff. Provázek is an absolute miracle for me, thanks to which I will probably have to make a few changes in my life...

Poet Eva Marie Růžena at rehearsals for the production My Hooves Have Already Torn Up the Ground, Husa na provázku Theater
Photo: Jakub Šnajdr

The premiere of the production Moje kopyta rozryla už zem (My Hooves Have Already Torn Up the Ground) will take place at the Husa na provázku Theater in the provázek.sklep (CED Cellar Stage) on February 27, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.