Performers
Jana Franková author and director
Slavomír Hořínka music
members of the Czech Philharmonic and the Orchestral Academy
members of the Disman Radio Children’s Ensemble
1 / 6
My Uncle Vanished. Where Did He Go, Mr. President?
Programme inspired by the life story of priest Josef Toufar, who was tortured to death by Communist State Security officers in January 1950. With the Czech Philharmonic musicians, members of the Disman Radio Children’s Ensemble and music by Slavomír Hořínka.
Education programs | Duration of the programme 2 hours 30 minutes | For preschools and schools
Rudolfinum — Rudolfinum
Composite educational programme based on the fate of Josef Toufar, who was tortured by the State Security in 1950.
"For our pupils, it was one of the first steps in the topic of post-war history. It was not an easy step, just like the time when Josef Toufar lived. They appreciated the depth of the story, they had a hard time dealing with the cruelty of Father Toufar's fate. One of our pupils asked me: "What did he do? (...) Perhaps, then, the commonplace of freedom and the right of today's young people will be a guarantee that they will not let it be taken away." (from feedback, Trmice Primary School)
In a music and drama workshop, pupils and students will follow the traces of the fate of the priest Josef Toufar (1902-1950), who was tortured by the communist State Security. They will search for the meaning of heroism, truth, sacrifice and overcoming obstacles in human life. Through the fates of people connected with the so-called Miracle of Chihošt, they will look into the events of the 1950s in our homeland.
In the first workshop part, they look at the context of the 20th century through the themes of freedom and unfreedom, which acts as a bridge and a key to the second part of the programme. The activities of the workshop especially require a willingness to explore new contexts.
In the second part, together with the musicians and actors, they will enter the drama of the life story, the fateful events of 1949-1950 and the last days of Josef Toufar (including the subsequent investigation). The production is based on the music by Slavomir Hořínka and the script by Jana Franková, which was based on the books by Miloš Doležal Jak bychom dnes zemřít měli and Krok do tmavé noci.
The end of the whole programme is a reflection. Its aim is to give the participants the opportunity to relate to the two previous parts, to name the key questions and to engage in a search for understanding of the events presented.
A maximum of 40 students can book tickets for this programme per teacher.
The programme is based on a musical part but also on a spoken word that will be given in Czech language only. The programme will not be supplied with English subtitles.