WHY THINGS GO WRONG
420PEOPLE
The 420PEOPLE production Why Things Go Wrong, choreographed by Sylva Šafková and performed by Michal Heriban and Simona Machovičová, was created specifically for Studio Maiselovka. Through the language of contemporary dance, it offers a unique perspective on (im)morality and ethically problematic forms of human behaviour. Although such behaviour is often overlooked, it can have profound consequences for the lives of those around us.
Almost everyone has experienced a moment when everything seemed to be going in the right direction—until it suddenly fell apart. Sometimes it is simply bad luck, but often there is someone to blame. The performance explores, with both sensitivity and uncompromising honesty, the harm caused by people whose behaviour negatively affects others.
“A person counts as an ‘asshole’ when they systematically allow themselves special advantages in interpersonal relationships out of an entrenched sense of entitlement that immunizes them against the complaints of other people.”
The performance is inspired by Assholes: A Theory by Aaron James.
Choreography: Sylva Šafková
Performers: Michal Heriban, Simona Machovičová
Text: Jiří Šafka
Music: Music collage
Sound Editing: Golden Hive Studio & Amak Golden
Set & Costume Design: Sylva Šafková, Jiří Šafka
Lighting Design: Martin Špetlík
Premiere: March 11, 2023 – Studio Maiselovka, Prague
Language: English-friendly
Duration: 50 minutes, no intermission
Photography: Vojtěch Brtnický
Trailer: Tomáš Vlček
The project was supported by the City of Prague, the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic, the Prague 1 Municipal District, and Studio Maiselovka.
€20.00/€15.00*/€10.00**
*#ImFromNámestovo – discount for residents of the Námestovo district.
**Discount for children under 15, students, seniors, and visitors with disabilities.
This performance is included with the Tanečno PASS, FullPASS, and UltimatePASS
KULTÚRNO Evening includes admission to David Zambrano’s solo performance, Tracing Echoes, Why Things Go Wrong, and the traditional folk dance Tanečno dom.
KULTÚRNO - Friday 14.08.2026 19:00
Dom Kultúry Námestovo
BIO
420PEOPLE
420PEOPLE is one of the leading contemporary dance companies in the Czech Republic. Founded in 2007 by choreographers Václav Kuneš and Nataša Novotná after their return from the legendary Nederlands Dans Theaterunder Jiří Kylián, the company has been one of the most distinctive voices on the Czech and international dance scene for over 18 years.
Since 2018, the company has been led by Václav Kuneš as Artistic Director. 420PEOPLE presents more than 100 performances each year in the Czech Republic and abroad, collaborating with leading Czech and international dancers and creators. The company is renowned for its outstanding artistic quality, originality, and commitment to exploring new forms of contemporary dance. It also operates its own theatre venue in Prague, Studio Maiselovka, creating a space where the professional dance community meets the wider public.
SYLVA ŠAFKOVÁ
Sylva Šafková is a Czech choreographer, dancer, and dance educator. After studying at the conservatories in Brno and Prague, she continued her training at the prestigious École-atelier Rudra Béjart Lausanne, where she also worked with the legendary choreographer Maurice Béjart. During her performing career, she danced with the Prague National Theatre Ballet, the Prague Chamber Ballet, and appeared in works by renowned choreographers including Jiří Kylián, Mats Ek, and Petr Zuska.
Alongside her performing career, she has developed an extensive choreographic practice. She is the creator of several acclaimed works, including Why Things Go Wrong, INspiraCe, HeArt of Noise, and the dance film Through Glass, which received the Pick of the Fest Award at the Los Angeles Dance Film Festival. Since 2019, she has served as the artistic assistant to choreographer Václav Kuneš at 420PEOPLE.