The history of modern Czech theatre provides numerous examples of complex relations between art and
society, stage and audience, which form a vital though often submerged part of the special reality
of the living theatre. This course deals not only with the theatre of dynamic ensembles and
outstanding figures (playwrights, actors, directors, designers) but also with phenomena that
reflected both social and cultural aspects of Czech history. The aim of the course is to obtain an
understanding of historical and contemporary processes and to enable students to become familiar
with the most important periods and distinguished figures of the Czech theatre. The course will
comprise a series of lecture-seminars, a directed exercise and a preparation of a seminar paper.


Seminar tasks

For each class, students are expected to read the materials assigned and prepare a presentation of
the essay as they will continue working on it for the whole semester. Note that some of the
readings might be marked with an asterisk → (*). These were currently unavailable for inclusion
during the making of this reader and should be distributed either on the CD-ROM prepared by the
course teachers or otherwise.



In addition, the following books provide comprehensive background material for the course:


Burian, J. Modern Czech Theatre. Iowa City, 2000.

Burian, J. Leading creators of twentieth-century Czech theatre. London – New York, 2002.

Goetz-Stankiewicz, Marketa. The Silence Theatre.  Toronto – Buffalo – London, 1979.


Time and location

The class will take place on Tuesdays from 11.40 p.m. to 1.15 p.m. at  the Faculty of Arts, street
- Gorkého 7, in room G01



Examination procedure

Active participation in lectures; successful completion of exercise; essay (9000 characters).


Deadline for sending essays in – May 22^nd 2009, send to MgA. David Drozd, Ph.D. -
drozd@mail.volny.cz


Teachers responsible for the course



David Drozd

email: drozd@mail.volny.cz