Na horách: Film o lásce, záchranářích & herecké proměně

Czech comedies continue to resonate with audiences, but one actor believes the latest offerings are about more than just laughs. He says, “Honestly, I haven’t seen many Czech comedies lately. This film, from my perspective, is mainly about love – not just romantic love, but love for children, for the mountains, for the place where you come from.”

The actor is currently starring in a film that also shines a light on the often-unsung heroes of mountain rescue. “It’s also about the mountain service. Rescuers are heroes among us, and we’re trying to pay tribute to them with this film. Every crown from ticket sales will go to their fund,” he explained.

Despite a busy schedule, the actor manages to carve out time for film. “I don’t particularly enjoy purely genre films, and what I like about this one is that it doesn’t stick to them too rigidly and blends them well. After all, life itself is multi-genre,” he said.

While known for his film work, the actor’s heart remains firmly rooted in the theatre. He’s been a fixture at the National Theatre for over three decades. Reflecting on the changes over the years, he notes, “I don’t really perceive changes over time. Whether it’s the National Theatre, A Studio Rubín, where I’ve been for half a century, or film, I always see it as a space for communication, people, themes, and thinking. If you get a good group together with a good theme, it’s always great. That’s what’s most important to me – more important than the building we’re in or the form in which we deliver the content to the audience.”

Having portrayed dozens of characters on stage, some roles naturally leave a lasting impression. “I don’t look back much. But of course, there are roles that have stayed with my heart and from which I’ve learned a lot. A major milestone for me was Goethe’s Faust, which I associate with preparations at Rubín, although we never actually performed it there due to limited space. I sometimes return to it in my mind.”

The actor also embraces smaller, lesser-known venues, currently performing at the D21 theatre. “I really don’t divide scenes into big, small, national, international, basement. Theatre can be performed anywhere. It either appeals to you or it doesn’t.”

He’s currently rehearsing the third installment of a loose trilogy about Czech presidents at D21. “We’re starting rehearsals for the third part of a loose trilogy about Czech presidents. The first was about Hacha, the next about Beneš, and now we’re preparing ‘Husák’s Silence.’ The title of the play refers to the Těšnov Tunnel in Prague, which was allegedly dug so that the comrades in the ministry above it would have peace and quiet.”

The production is a collaborative effort with friends Jakub Vašíček and Tomáš Jarkovský, both of whom he taught at the Academy of Performing Arts (DAMU). “The productions at this theatre usually arise from debates and mutual inspiration.”

As for his role in the upcoming play, the actor remains playfully ambiguous. “I don’t know exactly yet. Of course, I’d like to play Husák, because I love him.”

“Of course, I’m being ironic. He was an amazing political figure. Look how many children were born thanks to him. Now, Babiš is trying to do the same thing. I think the play will also talk about the present. I’m afraid that with the new government, we’ll fall into Husák’s silence.”