Jan Grossman

Jan Grossman was one of the most prominent Czech theatrical directors, dramaturgs, and theorists. As artistic director, he shaped the legendary era of the Divadlo Na zábradlí and became a key figure in Czech Theatre of the Absurd. Grossman was not "just" a director; he was the architect of modern Czech theatre. He linked his career with prestigious stages such as the State Theatre in Brno, Burian’s Army Artistic Theatre, and Laterna Magica, but his heart belonged to Divadlo Na zábradlí. It was here that he directed the world premieres of Václav Havel’s plays and the renowned production of King Ubu. Following the arrival of occupying forces, he was forced to leave Divadlo Na zábradlí and continued directing abroad until his passport was confiscated. In addition to directing, he devoted himself to literary criticism and editing the works of František Halas, Jiří Orten, and Bertolt Brecht. His signature style was characterized by intellectual precision, irony, and the ability to define political reality through the lens of the absurd.