A Report for an Academy, A Message from the Emperor (Austria/Czechia)

Written By: Franz Kafka

Translated By: Mark Harman

A Report for an Academy
Directed By: Henry Akona

Performed by: Markus Hirnigel
Piano: Maria Dessena
Makeup: Stephanie Cox-Connolly
A Message from the Emperor
Original Music: Martin Bresnick

Percussionists: Makana Kai Noah Medeiros and Chad Beebe


Two short stories by Franz Kafka, adapted for the stage in honor of the 100th anniversary Kafka’s death.
A Report for an Academy is Kafka's short story/monologue about an ape who has learned to be human, directed by by Henry Akona. Read and performed by Markus Hirnigel, in a music hall vein. These stories are part of the new book of Kafka stories, Selected Stories, all translated by Mark Harman. Available from Harvard University Press.


A Message from the Emperor is adapted by Martin Bresnick as a new music piece for two speaking percussionists. Franz Kafka describes a glorious being, never seen by his countless lowly subjects, who, from his deathbed, dispatches an indefatigable messenger (a prophet perhaps) with a most important message - just for you. For various practical reasons, however, the message cannot possibly be delivered. And even if it finally arrived, the one who sent it will have died long ago. Both stories are translated by Mark Harman as part of his new book of Kafka's short stories.

The main program will last approximately 45 minutes, with a discussion after with Mark Harman, Martin Bresnick, Henry Akona, and Ross Benjamin.

Sponsored by The Austrian Cultural Forum and the Consulate General of the Czech Republic in New York

Part of Rehearsal for Truth International Theater Festival honoring Vaclav Havel, produced by the Václav Havel Center and the Bohemian Benevolent and Literary Association.