Markus Hirnigel will read and perform, in a music hall vein, two short stories by Franz Kafka, adapted for the stage in honor of the 100th anniversary Kafka’s death.

A Report for an Academy is Kafka's short story/monologue about an ape who has learned to be human, directed by Henry Akona. A Message from the Emperor is adapted by Martin Bresnick as a new music piece for two speaking percussionists. Franz Kafka describes a glorious being, never seen by his countless lowly subjects, who, from his deathbed, dispatches an indefatigable messenger (a prophet perhaps) with a most important message - just for you. For various practical reasons however the message cannot possibly be delivered. And even if it finally arrived the one who sent it will have died long ago.

A Report for an Academy. Written by: Franz Kafka. Translated by: Mark Harman. Directed by: Henry Akona. Performed by: Markus Hirnigel. Piano: Maria Dessena. Makeup: Stephanie Cox-Connolly.

A Message from the Emperor. Written by: Franz Kafka. Translated by: Mark Harman. Original music: Martin Bresnick. Percussionists: Makana Kai Noah Medeiros and Chad Beebe.

Both stories are translated by Mark Harman as part of his new book of Kafka's short stories.

The main program will last approximately 45 min, with a discussion after with Mark Harman, Martin Bresnick, Henry Akona, and Ross Benjamin.

This event is part of the 2024 Rehearsal for Truth Theater Festival: Dark Dreams. For more information, visit rehearsalfortruth.org.

Free and open to the public. Suggested donation $10. Seats are limited, on first-come, first-served basis. Online registration is required.

Producing partners: Austrian Cultural Forum New York, Consulate General of the Czech Republic in New York, in association with Untitled Theater Company No. 61.

The 2024 Rehearsal for Truth Theater Festival: Dark Dreams is organized by BBLA and the Vaclav Havel Center. The program is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. The festival is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.

Rehearsal for Truth International Theater Festival is an annual showcase of contemporary Central and Eastern European theater, established in 2017. The festival is a shared endeavor of the Vaclav Havel Center and the Bohemian Benevolent and Literary Association in partnership with numerous other cultural and performing arts organizations. The festival honors the artistic and political legacy of the Czech playwright/dissident/president Vaclav Havel. We support exchanges between American and European theater professionals and celebrate the power of the theater to transform our lives.