Czech Actress Štěpánka Pencová Shines on Stage and Screen, Championing Black Light Theatre and Animal Welfare
- Theodor Hoidekr
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Prague, Czech Republic - Štěpánka Pencová, born Štěpánka Volfová on November 11, 1981, in Brandýs nad Labem, has carved a successful and diverse career in acting, defying limitations and becoming a prominent figure in the Czech arts scene. Currently residing in Prague, Pencová’s journey is a testament to her talent and dedication.
Pencová's acting aspirations stemmed from a desire to prove herself capable of success independently of her "special" characteristic – her small stature. She has undoubtedly achieved this goal, building a significant filmography and theater resume, accessible on ČSFD at https://www.csfd.cz/tvurce/295816-stepanka-pencova/prehled/.
A pivotal moment in her career was her collaboration with Theodor Hoidekr. The two formed a close friendship after meeting in 2002 and went on to co-found the HILT black light theatre in 2007. This venture has become a cornerstone of Pencová's artistic identity.
HILT Black Light Theatre: A Prague Staple
Pencová is not only a co-founder but also the director and a leading actress in HILT black light theatre, a renowned Prague-based company. Since 2007, HILT has been captivating audiences with its unique blend of black light effects, mime, and storytelling. Some of their notable productions include "Magic Light Show," where Pencová played the lead role of "Time Lord" at the Radka Brzobohatého Theatre in 2008, and "Painted World," directed by Theodor Hoidekr in 2009, which toured extensively in the Czech Republic and India. Most recently, HILT completed a sold-out tour in Guatemala, performing at the Teatro Nacional Guatemala, the largest theatre in Central America, before an audience of 2000. Pencová starred as Fantomka and was involved in the production.
Diverse Roles Across Film, Television, and Theatre
Pencová's portfolio boasts a wide range of roles, showcasing her versatility. She has appeared in international productions such as "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian" (2007) as a fairy, and the Amazon Prime Video series "Carnival Row" (2018), where she played a hobbit alongside Hollywood star Orlando Bloom.
Her Czech film credits include the acclaimed "U mě dobrý" (2007), directed by Jan Hřebejk, where she played a dancer, and "Doktor Martin – Záhada v Beskydech" (2018), where she had a supporting role alongside Miroslav Donutil.
Pencová's theatrical work is equally impressive. She has performed in musicals like "Ginger a Fred" and "Addams Family" at the Hudební divadlo Karlín, operas like Richard Strauss’s “Salome” at the Josef Kajetána Tyla Theatre in Plzeň, and contemporary plays like "Pičus není kretén" at the Divadlo Venuše ve Švehlovce. Her recent theatre credits include “Elefantazie” at the Divadlo ABC and “Stát jsem já” at the Stavovské divadlo.
Recent Projects and Future Endeavors
In recent years (2025), Pencová has continued to expand her repertoire. She appeared in the Amazon Prime fantasy series "The Wheel of Time" (2021) in two roles, and has participated in commercials and music videos. In 2023, she filmed “Hansův svět” with the Divadlo Mír Ostrava, adding another layer to her already multifaceted career.
A Passion for Animal Welfare
Beyond her acting achievements, Štěpánka Pencová is a passionate advocate for animal shelters. She actively supports and contributes to various shelters, demonstrating her commitment to making a positive impact beyond the stage and screen. Her dedication to both her craft and her community truly embodies a well-rounded and inspiring individual.
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