Jakub Lužina and other members of Silné reči at a previous Bratislavský Kaviár event. (source: Silné reči)
One of Slovakia’s best-known comedy troupes has accused a state-backed cultural venue of censorship after it abruptly cancelled their upcoming shows. The decision has ignited fresh concerns about freedom of expression under the country’s populist government.
Silné reči, a Slovak-language stand-up collective known for its sharp political satire, was forced to relocate a series of performances from Bratislava’s V-klub, a venue operated by the National Centre of Culture (Národné osvetové centrum, or NOC), which falls under the remit of the Culture Ministry. The comedians claim their shows were cancelled not for artistic reasons, but because they were deemed politically inconvenient.
Two instalments of “Bratislavský kaviár”, a satirical panel-style series scheduled for October and November 2025, were deemed “not worthy” of the venue, according to veteran performer Jakub Lužina. The series, reminiscent of Britain’s “Have I Got News for You”, had become a regular feature at V-Klub, where the group has staged over 20 performances since 2019. A solo show, “Statement on the State of the Republic”, by political satirist Matej Adámy, was also dropped.
Lužina called the move “definitely political in nature”, noting the programme’s critical take on current events. “They’re trying to flex their muscles,” he said. “But to us, really, it’s no problem… we had the shows booked in other venues in under an hour. We didn’t even have to change the dates.”
The order came from Eva Smolíková, the newly appointed acting director of the NOC, a former Slovak National Party (SNS) MP selected by Culture Minister Martina Šimkovičová following the ousting of previous director Erik Kriššák. The NOC declined to comment officially, but one insider anonymously told the Slovak Spectator: “What was happening was of course not right,” suggesting dissent within the organisation.
