ABOUT US
ABOUT US
SLOVAK THEATRE LONDON
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PORTRAITS OF SLOVAK AND CZECH BRITAIN
Multidisciplinary Artistic Celebration of Migration and Resilience
by SLOVAK THEATRE LONDON through the lens of ROBERT VIGLASKY
PROJECT PORTFOLIO
A project celebrating the resilience, contributions,
and cultural impact of Slovak and Czech migrants
in the UK through photography, theatre, workshops
and storytelling.
Slovak Theatre London (STL) is the only UK-based theatre dedicated to Slovak and Czech stories. With an estimated 150,000 Slovaks and 60,000 Czechs residing in the UK, the company fulfils a vital cultural need by strengthening diaspora bonds through theatre. Established in 2009 as a grassroots initiative connected to the Slovak Catholic Mission, STL was pioneered by Juliana Sersenova, whose MA in Applied Theatre led to the group’s inaugural devised production, Migrants Rhapsody.
In 2015, actress and manager Simona Vrabcova joined, applying her BA in Music Business and Arts Management to guide STL toward professionalisation. Her efforts—rebranding, launching a dedicated website, and increasing fundraising—led to the theatre’s official registration in 2017. Although Sersenova later moved to Slovakia, she continues to shape STL’s creative vision, while Vrabcova oversees its London-based operations.
From the outset, STL has upheld core principles. It develops original, author-prepared scripts and has historically welcomed compatriots of all ages and backgrounds. In recent years, however, STL has required creators to have an artistic education or relevant experience, resulting in professional or semi-professional casts and crews who continue to collaborate with local communities. This approach provides a meaningful platform for Slovak and Czech individuals to engage in artistic expression, maintain their cultural identity, forge friendships, and ease the transition to a new environment. Over the years, STL has produced 12 plays, including four originals, and delivered 67 performances across five countries, tackling themes of migration, identity, and cultural integration through devised theatre that fosters dialogue and inclusivity.
About
Slovak Theatre London
Previous Notable Work Examples
Since its first author-devised production, Migrants’ Rhapsody (2015), Slovak Theatre London (STL) has delivered impactful performances at Edinburgh Fringe, Camden Fringe, and several international festivals. Working with community organisations throughout the UK, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Belgium, and Ireland, STL presents productions that merge personal narratives with broader socio-political themes.
The company also provides workshops, forging a dynamic connection between creative professionals and diaspora communities.
Migrants’ Rhapsody (2015)
Explores the joys and unspoken struggles of Slovak migrants in Britain. Featuring songs, movement, and vignettes, the show culminates in a symbolic “wedding” between migrants and Miss Great Britain. Developed over two years, it reached full form in April 2016.
![Extreme [the new norm] by Daniel Hasso.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cb9fb2_7f20a37134df4c44b006f9beb90074bc~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_510,h_258,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Extreme%20%5Bthe%20new%20norm%5D%20by%20Daniel%20Hasso.jpg)
2021–23: Extreme [The New Norm]
A lively, collage-style portrayal of society’s response during crises—focusing on the COVID-19 global pandemic. Blends humour and depth, offering a collective therapy through art.
2018–19: Mum, What Did You Want?
Revisits migration from the perspective of parents and grandparents remaining in Slovakia. A documentary-style performance enriched with songs and dances, showing how distance reshapes generational bonds.
The Academy for Women (2017)
Addresses the exploitation of the female body within the sex industry. Illustrates the negative consequences hidden by modern ideas of success, highlighting empathy for marginalised individuals.
Tours & Festivals
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United Kingdom
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London Venues (Camden People’s Theatre, The Cockpit, The Water Rats, Clapham Community Centre, Slovak Catholic Mission Church) – the Clapham show drew an audience of more than 50 nationalities and resonated widely.
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Peterborough (in collaboration with Compan Charity and a local school)
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Bristol (Czech & Slovak Club UK, Stonožka)
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Oxford (local Czech/Slovak community club)
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Edinburgh Fringe, Camden Fringe
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Europe
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Brussels, Belgium: Collaborations with Slovak Catholic Mission, Czech/Slovak community groups, and the Slovak Embassy/Consulate
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Dublin, Ireland: Performances with local Czech/Slovak collectives, Slovak Folk Dance Group, and the Slovak Embassy
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Prague, Czech Republic: Work with Czech/Slovak clubs and Slovak House
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Nitra & Prešov, Slovakia: Appearances at Divadelná Nitra and Academic Prešov theatre festivals
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Workshops
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Literature Festival (London): Physical theatre, movement, acting, and drama for children aged 4–12 (in partnership with Czech & Slovak School Okenko at Bohemia House)
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Velehrad Charity London: Arts and crafts, musical workshops for Czech/Slovak diaspora families
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Ongoing: Engagement with Slovak and Czech schools and community groups across the UK.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
Fundraising
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Multiple grants from the Office for Slovaks Living Abroad (£1,000–£10,000), and other organisations
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Unity Theatre Trust Grant for Edinburgh Fringe (£500)
Awards & Recognition
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Extreme [The New Norm] won a Keep It Fringe Award at Edinburgh Fringe (2023)
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£2500 cash award towards festival costs
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Sponsored train travel from Lumo Train Company (worth £2000) and TikTok advertising credit (£1,000)
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“Highly Recommended Show” by Fringe Review (Donald Steward)
Private Sponsorship & In-Kind Support
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Valued at over £100,000, contributions in donated venues, equipment, and other resources have supported our initiatives over the years
TALENT & RESILIENCE ACROSS GENERATIONS:
PROJECT OVERVIEW & CREATIVE OUTCOMES
Portraits of Slovak and Czech Britain is a multidisciplinary project that captures the stories of over 50 people either as individuals or community organisation members in the UK. Through photography, theatre, and workshops, it explores resilience, cultural heritage, and professional achievements, highlighting migration’s role in shaping British society.
Inspired by the book The Streets of London Are Paved with Gold
Drawing from Zuzana Slobodova’s book, which combines real-life portraits and fictionalised migration stories, the project encourages participants and audiences to reflect on success, challenges, and the legacies migrants leave behind.
Czechoslovak-born author Zuzana Slobodova holding her book during the photoshoot
Photographer Robert Viglasky with Holocaust survivor Vera Schaufeld during the photoshoot
Photography Exhibition & Workshops
Led by Slovak portrait photographer Robert Viglasky, the exhibition showcases powerful stories of migration, identity, and resilience through portraits of both public figures and everyday individuals. The visual storytelling is enhanced by a hand-painted canvas backdrop from HAPACA Studio, a creative studio founded by a Slovak migrant. Workshops in London and Birmingham will explore themes of heritage, arts, science, and business, engaging diverse audiences in discussions about personal and collective histories.
Bringing their stories to life
Theatre Show
Our fifth devised production is inspired by Jan Telensky, a Czechoslovak-born entrepreneur who arrived in the UK in 1969. His story—marked by success and philanthropy—is intertwined with other migration experiences shaped by ambition, resilience, or by contrast, shortcuts. The production blends real-life narratives with broader migration themes, inviting audiences to reflect on how individual choices impact families, communities, and society.
Themes Explored
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Talent & Perseverance: How dedication and hard work transcend generations.
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Choices & Success: The influence of key decisions on personal and societal impact.
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Migration & Identity: How displacement and resettlement shape belonging and cultural identity.
Jan Telensky, a Czechoslovak-born entrepreneur during the photoshoot
Shivone, an actress of mixed heritage with Slovak roots during the photoshoot
PORTRAITS OF SLOVAK AND CZECH BRITAIN
THE EXHIBITION
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Slovak Theatre London successfully organised Portraits of Slovak & Czech Britain — a photographic and storytelling exhibition celebrating the heritage and contributions of Slovak and Czech communities in the UK. Curated with photographer Robert Viglasky and shown at London’s Nunnery Gallery in September 2025, it brought to life powerful portraits and migration stories exploring identity, resilience, and belonging.
AUDIENCE IMPACT AND SUMMARY
The Portraits of Slovak and Czech Britain exhibition received exceptionally positive feedback from visitors, confirming its strong emotional and educational impact. According to audience surveys, 100% of respondents rated their overall experience as excellent or very good, with almost all stating that they had learned something new about Slovak or Czech history, culture, or migration.
Visitors highlighted the beautifully curated portraits, inspiring storytelling, warm and inclusive atmosphere, and interactive workshops. They often described it as “a must-see exhibition” and “a proud moment for our community.”Many shared that the exhibition deeply resonated with their personal experiences of identity, migration, and belonging. One participant remarked, “It reminded me of my own journey,” while another wrote, “I realized I must be the modern countess myself.” — this comment came from a HERITAGE workshop led by designer and artist Rebeka Jurčacková, focused on the history of remarkable women of the Slovak Renaissance.
Several visitors appreciated the balance between the artistic and educational aspects, emphasizing that the exhibition shows “how strong we are and how important it is to stay close to our roots.”
Feedback for further development is currently being incorporated into the next phase of the project, which will be expanded to include a theatre performance building on the life stories presented. Overall, the project demonstrated deep community engagement, intercultural dialogue, and a tangible sense of pride among Slovak, Czech, and British audiences — confirming the need and value of continued Arts Council support in its next stage.
Powerful Moments of the Exhibition
“Portraits that breathe, legacies that live.”
The opening of Portraits of Slovak & Czech Britain at London’s Nunnery Gallery marked a deeply moving celebration of identity, heritage, and community. Nearly 150 guests gathered on opening night to honour stories of migration and resilience, filling the gallery with warmth, emotion, and pride.
A highlight of the evening was the presence of Vera Schaufeld MBE, a 95-year-old Kindertransport survivor, who became the exhibition’s symbolic “godmother.” Her portrait was ceremonially blessed with golden confetti — a moment that brought many to tears and reminded us why these stories matter so deeply. Several featured participants, including author Zuzana Slobodová, also joined us, creating a heartfelt connection between the portraits and the people they depict.
Throughout the following weekend, workshops led by Tereza Bušková, Rebeka Jurčacková, and Shivone extended this spirit of connection. Through art, history, voice, and movement, they invited participants to explore their own heritage and creative expression, turning the exhibition into a living dialogue between past and present.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
OF THE PROJECT
This project strengthens Slovak and Czech communities in the UK, fostering intergenerational and cross-sector dialogue through over 20 partner organisations.
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Bridges Generations: Collects and shares migrant stories from different eras.
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Supports Emerging Creatives: Provides hands-on experience in theatre, music, and visual storytelling.
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Encourages Participation: Engages diverse audiences through interactive workshops.
Beyond the diaspora, the project also:
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Spotlights Contributions: Showcases Slovak and Czech impact in business, science, education, and the arts.
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Fosters Dialogue: Encourages conversations on migration, identity, and integration.
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Strengthens Cultural Links: Enhances UK-Central Europe connections through cultural exchange.
By intertwining visual storytelling, live performance, and interactive engagement, Portraits of Slovak and Czech Britain provides a lasting cultural record, ensuring that migration stories—past and present—continue to shape Britain’s evolving identity.
