Czech Theatre Structuralism

Research at the Department of Theatre Studies is focused especially on the theory of theatre. This does not include only the theory but also the history of (especially Czech) thinking about theatre. We have projects in this field (e.g. in Otakar Zich´s works, Prague Linguistic Circle...), which we can be proud of even in the international context. Enterprises like these deserve continuous care, research and promotion.

At the same time our research follows the work of one of the most eminent theatre theoreticians Ivo Osolsobě (1928-2012), who was one of the distinguished teachers at our department.

Research Focus and Methods

Research focuses on the development of theoretical concepts applied to contemporary theatre, especially when analysing performance, and on the other hand on historical aspect of theatre theories. At present the core of research is Otakar Zich´s work; recently we have finished the project aimed at Czech “theatre structuralism”. Partial topics of research can go back to the beginning of the 19th century and also to the present day.

Involvement in international research

Research has its international overlap in the series of conferences with the participation of Patrice Pavis, Marco de Marinis, Manfred Pfister, Fernando de Toro and others. The most regular collaborators include Veronika Ambros, Herta Schmid and Yana Meerzon. The majority of publications are also aimed at international context – especially  Theatre Theory Reader: Prague School Writings (Karolinum 2017)