11 AUG 2026

Looking back at Behind Closed Doors

Behind Closed Doors has become our foundational project and a big catalyst for Glass Bead Theatre being born.

Half a year ago, our first production reached the stage. So, finally, it is time to address the question — how the hell did it all come together? (This is the only hell-related pun, we promise.)

A word from the director

Once the text was retranslated, the first step was to create a hell, or at least whatever I thought Jean-Paul Sartre meant by it. It only took three very patient people — scenographer, costume designer, composer — and don’t ask how many sketches, discussions and iterations.

Three members of the creative team at a work meeting, sitting at a table with laptops in front of a library bookshelf.

Then we had to inhabit the hell with some tenants, for which we were lucky to find this magnificent four.

Meanwhile, things were being made to happen

While I was losing sleep on what colour the sofas in the hell should be, the production manager was making things happen: managing processes, communication, schedules, budgets, and Porter knows what else.

Two producers standing side by side, holding scripts and folders. — Us right after 8 hours of callbacks

Rehearsal time: fun, surprising, challenging, sometimes frustrating, but never boring

To every single one, I was rushing, excited, as if on a date. Sometimes, I was leaving with wings on my back; sometimes — thinking I was leading everyone to a disaster, thinking of leaving this profession and living in a disguise. Fortunately, the next morning it always passed.

A rehearsal room: performers draped over benches on a wooden floor while others watch and read from scripts.

We were extremely lucky, as wonderful people kept coming on board: a choreographer, a hairstylist and a makeup artist, and finally technicians and videographers. Looking back, it is hard to believe how many incredibly talented artists became part of this journey — but all the effort would still have come to waste…

Two videographers with cameras on tripods filming the white set with its red sofa under studio lights.

…without, obviously, all of you

Theatre can only exist in contact with the audience. However, you were supporting us on more levels: spreading the word, bringing friends, sharing ideas during the reverse Q&A, and, last but not least, supporting our crowdfunding.

A full auditorium seen from the back rows, looking towards the lit Behind Closed Doors set with its red, blue and yellow blocks.

We are still at the beginning of this journey, and we would like you to come with us!

Thank you — and what comes next

I mean, looking at all these charming faces, why wouldn’t you?

The whole cast and crew of Behind Closed Doors posing together on stage around a ladder, arms in the air.

With this, we are saying thank you to all who have been part of and supported this project; it has been life-changing. But as we have now made ourselves a proper theatre company, we are excited for our next steps. Off to the new challenges, for which we will start forming the team pretty soon, so stay in touch for the upcoming updates!

P.S. To all still expecting their crowdfunding lots: we know half of you made families and bought and sold apartments in the meantime. Please stay patient, they will come to you soon.

Originally posted on Instagram, 11 August 2026.