Craving a night of uniquely Czech theatre? You are standing before Studio Ypsilon. This legendary theatre company has been a vital part of Prague’s cultural scene for decades.
Studio Ypsilon, or “Ypsilonka” as locals call it, wasn’t always in Prague. It began in Liberec in 1963. Today, it stands as a leading Czech theatre. Studio Ypsilon has significantly shaped Czech theatre’s history and development. Though Ypsilonka recently celebrated its fifty-seventh anniversary, it feels timeless. Foreign reviewers often describe its distinctive poetics as “uniquely Czech.”
Since its beginning, Studio Ypsilon has embraced group improvisation. This creative method allows producers and members to contribute diverse ideas throughout the creative process. The theatre cultivates a playful atmosphere. It uses directed chance and indeterminacy. Actors fluidly shift between their characters and themselves. The work is dynamic, open, and moving.
Jan Schmid, the founder, is a multifaceted artist. He is a director, author, visual artist, literary manager, and actor. Schmid views the theatre as a cultivated garden. It is a living structure controlled by natural principles like life and growth. This organic approach defines Studio Ypsilon’s unmistakable style. His thinking emphasizes the ongoing inception of things. This creates constant contradictions perceived in new contexts.
Synthesis, expression, and humor define the Studio Ypsilon’s character. Humor is ever-present. It liberates and helps maintain perspective. While visuality is key, music also plays a vital role. Studio Ypsilon produces music live on stage. It is methodically integrated as an equal element within the whole performance.
Many major artists have been associated with Studio Ypsilon. These artists include actors and musicians. Some scenic designers include Jaroslav Malina and Miroslav Melena. Since 2016, Ondřej Zicha has been the theatre’s own scenic designer.
The ongoing development of Studio Ypsilon includes various stages. An important phase occurred before its official founding in 1963. During this time, the group performed improvised events at various locations.
The initial phase is called Awakening or Big Bang. It covers 1963 to 1968. During this time, they performed several titles by the theatre’s own authors. The first production was Encyclopaedic Entry 20th Century. Carmen not only according to Bizet marked the beginning of the musical series.
From 1969 to 1974, the Theatre-World phase unfolded. Despite pressures from the totalitarian regime, Ypsilon retained its open and communicative character. Major performances included Schmid’s About her, how she… and Picasso and his Desire Caught by the Tail. Classical topics included Don Juan and Orpheus in the Underworld.
From 1974 to 1988, the theatre shifted towards the Theatre-Person. The focus moved from encyclopedic breadth to human uniqueness. Major productions included Michelangelo Buonarroti and Thirteen Scents.
In 1978, Studio Ypsilon made a risky move from Liberec to Prague. Establishing itself in Prague was not easy. In 1984, Studio Ypsilon returned to its arena-shaped hall in the Olympic palace.
The Theatre-Contexts period began before the Velvet Revolution with Kafka’s Amerika. In the 1990s, the Studio Ypsilon’s STUDIO began. Excellent plays created during this era include The God and Mozart in Prague.
From 2015, the Theatre-Mutuality era began. This focused on new ways of communicating and interconnecting. Get Mozart! was staged.
One of its most attention-grabbing shows uncovers the history of the building itself. It is called Spálená 16. It offers a way to find oneself in the past and recognize oneself in the present.
Studio Ypsilon continues to explore theatre’s history. It seeks inspiration and new perspectives on classic works. The theatre aims to find keys to liberate from turbulence and focus on harmonies. Enjoy the show.