Performer Andrej Lyga has combined cycling and theater into a unique residency—during September, he cycled through northern Bohemia and visited nine partner cultural centers of the Nová síť. On the road, he is preparing his new solo performance, Zobačník, which will premiere in 2026.
In September 2025, performer, choreographer, dancer and director Andrej Lyga undertook a unique journey – he cycled around northern Bohemia, covering 584 km and climbing 4,050 metres in altitude, while visiting nine partner cultural centres of the Nová síť network. The Northern Trail was the first part of his residency project, during which he prepared a new solo performance called Zobačník, which is due to premiere in 2026.
Deliberately choosing to work outside the pressure of grant deadlines, Andrej sought a different path: a gradual, continuous process not tied to a single premiere date. The new show was born on the road between cultural centres, in dialogue with the landscape and local communities. It is intended to be ‘chameleon-like’ – able to adapt to any space, from the street and site-specific locations to classic black-box theatre.
Cycling this northern trail took him through: Sdružení Roztoč, Farmstudio, Kulturní středisko města Ústí nad Labem, Městské divadlo Varnsdorf, Klášter Broumov – Vzdělávací a kulturní centrum, THEATRUM KUKS, Kontrapunkt, OFFCITY and Valdštejnská lodžie – kulturní imaginárium.
This type of residency, which involves travelling by bike through the countryside from cultural centre to cultural centre, is also a practical experiment. Andrej and his team are testing the logistics of such a journey, what can be transported by bike, how much rest time is needed, and how diverse spaces and audiences can be involved in the creative process.
Today, Andrej is setting off on the second part of his residency, the Southern Trail, during which he will visit other centres in the Nová síť network. We wish him strength in his legs and a clear mind for creativity and reflection as he continues his journey.
