The Enduring Legacy of Jára Cimrman: 60 Years of Czech Theatrical Innovation
This year marks 60 years since the founding of the Žižkov Theatre of Jára Cimrman, and a significant milestone for its co-founder, Zdeněk Svěrák, who celebrates his 90th birthday. The theatre’s unique approach – centered around the fictional Czech genius Jára Cimrman – continues to captivate audiences and redefine comedic storytelling.
From U Pavouka to the Main Stage: The Birth of a Legend
The story began in 1966 with a radio broadcast in the “Nealkoholická vinárna U Pavouka” program, announcing the discovery of Cimrman’s lost works by “Dr. Evžen Hedvábný” (a pseudonym for Karel Velebný). This sparked the creation of a theatrical ensemble dedicated to exploring the life and (fabricated) achievements of this extraordinary figure.
The theatre’s initial plan involved two one-act plays, one by Zdeněk Svěrák and another by Jiří Šebánek. When Šebánek’s play wasn’t completed on time, a seminar format – a series of pseudo-scientific lectures about Cimrman’s life and operate – emerged. This innovative approach proved incredibly successful and became a hallmark of the theatre, persisting to this day.
Svěrák’s play, Akt, premiered in Prague’s Malostranská beseda in 1967, launching decades of collaboration between Svěrák and Ladislav Smoljak, resulting in 14 plays.
A Unique Ensemble: Men Without Formal Training
The theatre’s company is comprised entirely of men, and notably, without formal acting training – with exceptions for Miroslav Táborský, Vojtěch Kotek, Josef Čepelka and Ondřej Vetchý, who joined the ensemble after the passing of original members. This unconventional casting contributes to the theatre’s distinctive, unpolished charm.
The Mystery of the Name: Cimrman’s Origins
The surname “Cimrman” was reportedly coined by Jiří Šebánek, inspired by the name of a hockey player, Otto Cimrman, heard on the radio. The first name, “Jára,” was added to give it a more bohemian feel. The character’s creation drew inspiration from figures like Dobrušský technological enthusiast Alois Beer, writer Václav Svoboda Plumlovský, professor Jakub Hron Metánovský, and traveler Jan Eskymo Welzl.
Beyond the Stage: Cimrman in Film
In 1983, Smoljak and Svěrák brought Cimrman to the big screen with Jára Cimrman ležící, spící, exploring his life and work. This was followed by Rozpuštěný a vypuštěný in 1984, inspired by Cimrman’s fictional creations, and Nejistá sezona in 1987, offering a glimpse behind the scenes of the theatre and the challenges of censorship.
More recently, Expedice Altaj – Cimrman mezi jeleny (2007) and the 2023 travel series Stopy Járy Cimrmana have continued to expand the Cimrman universe.
A Legacy of Mystification and National Pride
With the 2008 play, České nebe, the creators playfully acknowledged the inherent irony of their work: “We, as cimrmanologists, understand the good intentions of fabricators to some extent. And we can perhaps imagine, as few others can, that such work pleased them. But to invent events that never happened and characters that never lived, and to mystify the entire nation for years, that really, really bothers us.”
Despite the playful self-awareness, the enduring popularity of Jára Cimrman is undeniable. In a 2005 public poll, Cimrman was voted the “Greatest Czech,” demonstrating his profound impact on the nation’s cultural identity.
Did you grasp?
Zdeněk Svěrák will celebrate his 90th birthday on March 28, 2026, with a special performance at the Žižkov Theatre of Jára Cimrman.
FAQ
Who is Jára Cimrman? Jára Cimrman is a fictional Czech polymath created by Zdeněk Svěrák and Ladislav Smoljak, whose “lost” works are the subject of plays performed by the Žižkov Theatre.
Where can I see a performance? Performances are held at the Žižkovské divadlo Járy Cimrmana in Prague. Tickets can be purchased through the theatre’s website: https://zdjc.cz/cs/program/
Are the plays translated into English? While the plays are primarily performed in Czech, some information about the theatre and its productions is available in English online.
What is the significance of the theatre’s founding? The founding of the theatre in 1966 marked a turning point in Czech comedic theatre, introducing a unique blend of satire, historical fiction, and absurdist humor.
Is Zdeněk Svěrák still performing? Yes, Zdeněk Svěrák continues to perform at the theatre, though with a reduced schedule and some roles now having alternates.
Pro Tip: Booking tickets in advance is highly recommended, as performances often sell out quickly.
Explore more about Czech theatre and cultural icons on our website. Read more articles here.
Worth a look