Modern Czech Theatre: Reflector and Conscience of a Nation. By Jarka M. Burian. Iowa City: University of Iowa Press, 2000; pp. 265. $37.95 hardcover, $18.95 paperback.

Abstract

Jarka Burian's Modern Czech Theatre: Reflector and Conscience of a Nation accomplishes something important: namely, it helps theatre scholars understand why Czech theatre in the twentieth century was interesting, important, and worthy of study, in spite of the fact that Czech theatre artists were only occasionally leaders in theatrical innovation, and Czech playwrights sometimes “did not measure up to their fellow theatre artists.” In his book, Burian focuses primarily on theatre productions, the history of selected theatre companies, and the accomplishments of important Czech directors. Throughout it, Burian points out the periods when Czech theatre belonged to “the first ranks of European theatre” as well as when it sank into stagnation. Burian presents these different periods within the context of Czech history and situates them within the history of Western theatrical practice as well. As his title suggests, Burian stresses the unusually close bond the Czech people had with their theatre, and the high degree of political and social relevance that theatre had within Czech society.