This stimulating compilation of essays and images reveals a significant yet largely unseen aspect of Czech contributions to modern theatre. It showcases the work of twenty-seven of the twentieth century's finest stage and costume designers, highlighting their high quality and creativity, which reflect the resilience of a people whose national identity faced years of occupation and repression. Contributions from Vera Ptackova, Dennis Christilles, Delbert Unruh, and Marie Zdenkova offer historical and linguistic insights into contemporary Czech scenography, alongside comparisons to major art movements that influenced the designers. Joe Brandesky's informative introductory essay contextualizes the evolving principles of Czech theatre design. The volume also includes biographies of the designers, a bibliography, and thirty black-and-white photographs. An accompanying CD features 138 vibrant images of costumes, models, and set designs, as well as in situ photos of exhibited works and 27 additional color and black-and-white photos of the designers. The CD contains the full text of the book, complete with links to the artwork and biographies, showcasing the Czech Republic as a hub of international stage design.
