Antonín Holub: Trojgenerační verze hry Obsluhoval jsem anglického krále
The Vršovice MANA Theatre is nearing the premiere of its new production of Bohumil Hrabal’s I Served the King of England, an adaptation featuring a minimalist three-person cast. According to actor Antonín Holub, the production utilizes a specialized ensemble approach where he, Jan Vlasák, and Tereza Vítů portray approximately five characters each to navigate the narrative without the use of elaborate stage effects.
A Minimalist Approach to Hrabal’s Classic
The decision to distill Hrabal’s expansive work into a three-person performance was led by dramaturg Věra Mašková. Holub, who plays the younger version of the protagonist Jan Dítě, stated that the production relies on technical and acting synergy rather than physical stage props. The cast remains on stage for nearly the entire duration of the play, a departure from traditional stagings that have previously appeared in Příbram and Prague.
Did You Know? The production team began rehearsals in Kersko, a location historically associated with the life and work of Bohumil Hrabal, to ground the actors in the setting that inspired the author’s literary legacy.
Cross-Generational Collaboration
The production represents a three-generational creative effort, involving director Petr Svojtka, veteran actor Jan Vlasák, and younger performers like Holub. Holub noted that while the team faces occasional creative conflicts, they consistently reach a consensus. The actor emphasized that the age gap between himself and Vlasák does not hinder the performance, describing Vlasák as an inspirational figure who maintains high energy levels throughout the rehearsal process.
Expert Insight: The move to strip away practical effects in favor of a lean, actor-driven ensemble suggests a broader trend in contemporary Czech theater toward intimacy and focus. By prioritizing the internal rhythm of the actors over spectacle, the production creates a specific demand for physical and technical precision that differentiates it from larger-scale adaptations.
Expanded Programming and Unique Venues
Beyond the Hrabal adaptation, the MANA Theatre is continuing its partnership with the Prague Zoo for performances of Birds, Beasts and Relatives. Based on the Gerald Durrell novel, this production will run for 14 dates across June and August within the zoo’s former elephant house. Holub, who also stars in the upcoming production Klan Baťa, expects the theater’s summer schedule to emphasize site-specific storytelling, utilizing natural surroundings to create immersive atmospheres for the audience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many actors are in the Vršovice MANA Theatre’s production of I Served the King of England?
The production features exactly three actors: Antonín Holub, Jan Vlasák, and Tereza Vítů.
What roles does Antonín Holub play in the upcoming summer repertoire?
In I Served the King of England, he portrays the younger version of Jan Dítě and the character Koníček. In Klan Baťa, he plays Antonín Baťa and Hermann Göring.
Why is the production of Birds, Beasts and Relatives being held at the Prague Zoo?
The partnership originated after a positive reception from the zoo’s former director, leading to a collaboration that places the play within the former elephant house to leverage the unique environment after zoo hours.
How does the use of unconventional performance spaces, such as the Prague Zoo, change your expectations for a traditional theatrical narrative?