Eve of Retirement represents not only an artistic masterpiece but also a political and social catharsis for the Slovak nation, whose government collaborated with the Nazi regime during the so-called Slovak state (1939–1945). The production may be characterized as metaphorical realism showing this “evil” and its historical recurrence. Playwright Thomas Bernhard is one of the most important German-language authors of the postwar era, he pushes his contempt for Austria as a nest of unregenerate Nazis and anti-Semites to an outrageous extreme in the play.

Supported using public funding by Slovak Arts Council.

The production was awarded Grand Prix as Best Production at the New Drama Festival of Contemporary Slovak and World Drama 2006 organized by The Theatre Institute in Bratislava.

Pred odchodom na odpocinek (Eve of Retirement). Playwright: Thomas Bernhard. Director: Juraj Nvota. Cast: Peter Simun, Zuzana Kronerova, Marta Sladeckova. Presented by: Astorka Korzo ́90 Theatre, Bratislava.

The Astorka Korzo’90 Theater is a company committed to pioneering dramaturgical and directorial works related to modern world classics. They have been one of the leading theatres in Slovakia following the legendary On Korzo Theatre that was closed for political reasons in the early 1970s.

The show will be performed in Slovak with English supertitles. Talkback after the show, and afterparty reception at BNH Ballroom Bar.

Please note the production contains explicit and adult material and is not recommended for persons under 16.