Former Artistic Director of Vinohrady Theatre Jan Novák

“We are awaiting a statement from the family regarding the form of a possible final farewell,” Paulusová stated.

Novák Studied in Prague and Worked Regional Stages

After completing his studies at the Film Secondary Vocational School in Čimelicích, Novák earned his degree in theatre directing from the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague (DAMU) in 1971. He built his early career across several regional stages. He worked in Jihlava, Hradec Králové, and Olomouc before taking an engagement in 1982 at Prague’s Divadlo S. K. Neumanna.

Transformation of the Vinohrady Theatre

Novák joined Divadlo na Vinohradech during the 1985 to 1986 season, stepping into the role of head of dramaturgy and director before advancing to artistic chief of the ensemble in the autumn of 1986. According to the theatre’s official records, he “significantly contributed to the transformation of the repertoire and the ensemble” during this tenure. He staged seven diverse productions as a core director before ending his primary engagement in 1991, returning later from 2001 to 2009.

Novák Directed Russian Classics and Political Dramas

His directorial work spanned Russian classics and politically charged contemporary dramas of the perestroika era. Novák opened his Vinohrady career with Sergei Turgenev’s A Month in the Country and Alexander Volodin’s Blondie. He subsequently directed Rolf Hochhuth’s journalistic play The Jurists and Gerhart Hauptmann’s satirical comedy The Thief’s Comedy, which tackled bureaucratic corruption and hypocrisy. One of his most prominent successes was Hill (The Hill), a piercing exploration of the abuse of power and the suppression of individualism. His initial Vinohrady tenure closed in 1990 with Jarosław Iwaszkiewicz’s Summer at Nohant.

Novák Taught at DAMU and Directed Guest Productions

Following his formal departure from Vinohrady’s permanent staff in 2009, Novák continued to direct guest productions across various Czech stages. He also passed on his practical expertise to the next generation of directors as an educator at DAMU.