Zuzana Cigánová: The Fragile Terina Who Enchanted František Hrubín

According to historical records of European cinema, actress Zuzana Cigánová became a symbol of Czech film history through her breakout role as Terina in the adaptation of František Hrubín’s Romance pro křídlovku, directed by Otakar Vávra. Born on June 23, 1947, in Bratislava, Cigánová transitioned from an accidental adolescent acting debut into a celebrated theatrical career at the Slovak National Theatre, later establishing herself as an accomplished author.

Early Discovery and Casting in Prague

According to biographical accounts, Cigánová first entered the film industry at age 13 when director Andrej Lettrich cast her in the episodic film Trinásťroční (Thirteen-Year-Olds), specifically in the segment “Malá manekýnka” (Little Model). Although her family background leaned toward the visual arts—her mother was a painter and her older brother Petr became a puppet maker and artist—Cigánová pursued acting at the Academy of Performing Arts (VŠMU) in Bratislava.

During her entrance examinations, actor Ladislav Chudík spotted her talent and recommended her to director Otakar Vávra, who was casting for Romance pro křídlovku. According to Cigánová, securing the role of Terina fulfilled a major personal ambition because she deeply admired Hrubín’s poetic work. She starred opposite Jaromír Hanzlík, who played the young student Vojta, while Štefan Kvietik portrayed the rival shooting-range owner Viktor.

Memories of Production and Literary Encounters

Production memories highlight a supportive environment led by director Otakar Vávra, who accommodated Cigánová as an inexperienced newcomer. Beyond meeting author František Hrubín on set, Cigánová formed close bonds with the film crew, notably cameraperson Jiří Stöhr, whom she later married.

Following the film’s release, Vávra advised Cigánová to move to Prague to study at the Academy of Performing Arts (AMU) and offered her housing with actress Vlasta Chramostová. According to retrospective interviews, Cigánová declined the offer out of a reluctance to leave Bratislava and her close attachment to her mother.

Theatrical Career and Prolific Filmography

Cigánová concentrated primarily on stage acting, performing initially at Nová scéna and later joining the Slovak National Theatre, where she portrayed numerous classical and modern roles. Alongside her stage commitments, she appeared in roughly one hundred film and television productions.

Her subsequent screen credits include Andrej Lettrich’s crime film Prípad krásnej nerestnice, the detective drama Sázka na třináctku alongside Jaroslav Satoranský, and the musical Na skle malované. More recently, she appeared in the 2025 historical drama Fichtelberg and an episode of the television series Neuer.

Transition to Literature and Travel Writing

Writing became a secondary career for Cigánová, sparked by her husband Jiří Stöhr’s documentary expeditions. Stöhr worked as a cameraperson, co-director, and co-writer for the 1968 television series Expedice Lambarene, which documented a medical supply convoy to Albert Schweitzer’s hospital in Gabon. Later, at the end of the 1980s, Stöhr served as leader of the Expedice Tatra kolem světa (Tatra Around the World Expedition) spanning 1987 to 1990.

Cigánová and her daughter Katarína briefly joined the Tatra expedition, traveling through regions that included Lake Titicaca, Iguazu Falls, and Machu Picchu. According to the author, the sheer scale of the journey compelled her to start a diary to record her impressions. This notebook served as the basis for her debut book, Kousek cesty kolem světa (A Piece of the Way Around the World).

She subsequently published several works of fiction and non-fiction. Her novel Šampaňské, káva, pivo reached the finals of the Slovak Anasoft Litera literary award, and her novel Aksál explored complex interpersonal relationships. Regarding her writing process, Cigánová has noted that she writes strictly by personal inclination without formal literary training.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who directed the film Romance pro křídlovku?

The film was directed by Otakar Vávra and adapted from the poetic work of František Hrubín.

Who played the character Terina?

The role of Terina was played by actress Zuzana Cigánová, alongside Jaromír Hanzlík as Vojta.

How did Zuzana Cigánová begin her writing career?

Cigánová started writing by keeping a diary during her travels with the Tatra Around the World Expedition, which her husband Jiří Stöhr helped lead.