Prague Shakespeare Company Celebrates 17 Years with “The Merchant of Venice”

Prague Shakespeare Company (PSC), the Czech Republic’s professional English-language theatre, is marking its 17th year alongside a 10-year anniversary of its partnership with Národní divadlo by premiering Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice.

Directed by PSC Artistic Director Guy Roberts, the production opens on 2 November at the historic Estates Theatre, with Czech subtitles by Martin Hilský.

The cast features PSC regulars Karel Hermanek ml, Jared Doreck, Jeff Smith, Bob Boudreaux, Jenn Kirk, and Genevieve Gionet. They are joined by acclaimed American-Jewish actor Irwin Appel as Shylock and recent Prague residents, Dawn Stern and Stephan Wolfert.

Stern and Wolfert, celebrated for their contributions to PSC’s Summer and Winter Shakespeare Intensives, have also been regular collaborators as educators and performers with PSC.

An Interview with Dawn Stern and Stephan Wolfert

Prague Morning: You’ve both built successful careers in LA, NYC, and internationally. As PSC Associate Artists, what drew you to relocate to Prague?

Dawn Stern: We thrive in creative communities, and PSC excels in cultivating a welcoming artistic community. Prague’s vibrant theatre culture and work-life balance also appeal to us. With nearly three decades each as actors, our priorities have shifted toward working with people we truly enjoy, and PSC has consistently been a joy.

Prague Morning: You have extensive experience with Shakespeare. Why do audiences continue to revisit his plays?

Stephan Wolfert: We met while performing Shakespeare, so his work is close to our hearts. Shakespeare’s plays allow audiences to explore what it means to be human. Through his characters, we confront love, jealousy, ambition, and other facets of the human experience.

Prague Morning: Stephan, can you tell us about DE-CRUIT®?

SW: DE-CRUIT® is a unique program combining Shakespeare and psychological science to support trauma recovery. Initially designed for military veterans, DE-CRUIT® has been scientifically studied (with Dr. Alisha Ali, NYU) and published in 19 peer-reviewed journals. Using classical acting techniques, cognitive science, and narrative therapy, it helps participants process trauma through language, rhythm, and storytelling. We work with veterans, first responders, and individuals in recovery, helping them build self-efficacy and experience post-traumatic growth.

Prague Morning: Dawn, as a mental health professional, do you think Shakespeare helps audiences confront trauma?

DS: Yes, Shakespeare gives us language to articulate trauma, which is vital to healing. His verse aligns with natural body rhythms, enabling audiences to process intense emotions safely. Experiencing these journeys on stage can foster compassion and empathy, crucial for profound healing.

Prague Morning: How does performing The Merchant of Venice on the Estates Theatre stage feel?

SW: It’s a dream come true for two Midwest kids to perform on a stage steeped in history, where luminaries like Mozart have performed.

Prague Morning: What’s unique about PSC’s Shakespeare training programs?

SW: PSC’s programs emphasize real-world experience. Participants perform on historic stages, directed by active industry professionals, building resumes and forming a global artistic network.

DS: They also build connections with peers that endure, creating a network they can collaborate with worldwide.

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