Celebrate Thanksgiving with Laughter: “The Thanksgiving Play” Returns to Prague

Prague Shakespeare Company announced the return of their English-language smash-hit comedy: The Thanksgiving Play by Larissa Fasthorse on 20 & 26 November at Divadlo Na Pradle.

The production is directed by Josh Morrison and stars Jenn Kirk, Genevieve Gionet, Scott Sophos, and Pavel Caldr.

We had a chance to sit down with two stars of the play, Genevieve Gionet and Pavel Caldr, to discuss the production and the American holiday Thanksgiving.

About The Thanksgiving Play

The Thanksgiving Play is a very funny play about “wokeness” and the obsession with being politically correct. It’s an insightful, hilariously painful examination of attitudes about identity, the arts, and audiences.

What is your favorite thing about the play?

GENEVIEVE GIONET: Each character is an extreme version of their archetype. It makes the ironies and satire of the play that much more ridiculous and fun.

PAVEL CALDR: I love the overall vibe and hilarious interactions between the four very different characters and their understanding of the world. They are all deeply flawed and very, very funny people.

Who is your character and what do you love about your character?

GENEVIEVE GIONET: I am playing Logan, the theatre teacher who is at risk of getting fired should she make one wrong move. Logan has the best intentions but is pulled in many different directions. She is relatable and lovable.

PAVEL CALDR: My character is Caden, an elementary school teacher of history, invited as a history specialist to maintain historical accuracy in the play they are creating. His dream is to become a professional playwright. He is the most enthusiastic of the characters because he believes his dreams are being fulfilled within this play. Or so he thinks.

Thanksgiving Traditions

What are your favorite Thanksgiving traditions? And Pavel, as the only Czech in a cast of Americans, what do you make of the American Thanksgiving holiday?

GENEVIEVE GIONET: During Thanksgiving, my family back in Colorado has an ax-throwing contest. We try to hit a tree stump with axes. Although I am not the best ax thrower, they are great memories.

PAVEL CALDR: For me, The Thanksgiving Play was a chance to familiarize myself with this specific American holiday. I had some classes about it in high school but barely remembered anything. It was exciting to learn the history behind this American holiday.

Favorites in Prague and Czech Cuisine

What is your favorite place in Prague and what is your favorite Czech food?

GENEVIEVE GIONET: My favorite place in Prague is probably Riegrovy Sady Park for the amazing view and nice memories I have there. As for Czech food, I really enjoy Dukátové buchtičky s vanilkovým krémem.

PAVEL CALDR: My favorite Czech food is probably Svíčková, and as every Czech person knows, it always tastes the best when it’s made by your grandma or mother. My favorite place is probably Petřín hill in summer when you can lie in the orchard between the cherry trees.

Special Timing for The Thanksgiving Play

What is special about reviving The Thanksgiving Play, especially this close to the US Presidential elections?

GENEVIEVE GIONET: The Thanksgiving Play, despite the jokes and ridiculousness, is thought-provoking. It raises important questions about intention versus impact and “woke” culture. Larissa FastHorse uses humor to get her message across. She is a brilliant playwright.

What should audiences expect from The Thanksgiving Play?

GENEVIEVE GIONET: If you want to laugh for a night, this is a great play for you. If you’re interested in work about the current cultural zeitgeist, this is also for you. And you don’t need to know about Thanksgiving to enjoy it. I hope that you come to see it!

PAVEL CALDR: Fun, deep thoughts, gobbling turkeys, and maybe a rap song. Want to know more? Come see us.

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The Thanksgiving Play by Larissa Fasthorse

• Directed by Josh Morrison
• Performed in English
• Venue: Divadlo Na Pradle
• Dates: 20 & 26 November 2024
• Starring: Jenn Kirk, Genevieve Gionet, Scott Sophos, Pavel Caldr

Tickets are available through GOOUT.CZ:

• 20 November at 19:00: Link to Tickets
• 26 November at 19:00: Link to Tickets

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