The Scenography of Josef Svoboda

Josef Svoboda (1920-2002) was one of the most innovative designers in twentieth century theatre. This book is a remarkable study of his works and his career, and includes an analysis of some 60 key productions along with over 200 black and white photographs. Jarka Burian provides a biographical and critical essay on Svoboda, along with background on the Czech theatre, the milieu in which Svoboda developed. The heart of the book is in the detailed, professional considerations of some sixty key productions, described largely in Svoboda’s own words. Burian has carefully, artfully used over 200 photographs to reinforce the expication of the development of Svoboda’s methods. Svoboda’s scenography emerges as total design, a synthesis of traditional methods and technical innovations that provides a dynamic atmosphere as well as the physical setting. Two appendices include a selection of Svoboda’ s original sketches and a complete annotated listing of all Svoboda’s productions. Burian’s study was the first book in English on this enormously influential European designer and remains an important document of theatre arts.



Book Edition Note: Redact images on pages 82 & 134