Loutkové divadlo Radost

Loutkové divadlo Radost is one of the best-known puppet theatres in the Czech Republic, operating in Brno since the mid-1940s. The name "Radost" means "joy" in Czech, reflecting the theatre's founding mission of bringing puppetry to young audiences — though its repertoire later expanded to include productions aimed at adults as well.

How did the theatre come to be?

The story begins in 1945, when Dr. František Tenčík approached Vladimír Matoušek, a respected director of amateur puppet theatre, with the idea of establishing a permanent puppet stage in Brno. After two years of preparation, the theatre began semi-professional operation in October 1947. In 1949 it was nationalized, becoming part of Czechoslovakia's state cultural network.

Which productions made the theatre famous?

In its early years, the theatre's artistic style was shaped by director Josef Kaláb, who worked alongside set designers Jarmila Majerová and Karel Hlavatý to create a series of poetic, critically acclaimed productions. Among the most celebrated were "Zlatovláska" (Goldilocks) in 1953 and "Tajemství zlatého klíčku" (The Secret of the Golden Key) in 1955. These stagings left a lasting mark on Czech puppetry and helped build the theatre's international reputation.

How did the theatre earn recognition abroad?

Thanks to its high artistic standards, the theatre embarked on foreign tours as early as the 1950s. Between 1956 and 1959, the ensemble performed in Vietnam, Mongolia, India, Indonesia and Egypt, bringing Czech puppetry far beyond Europe. This was a rare example of cultural exchange between Czechoslovakia and countries in Asia and Africa during the Cold War era.

How did the theatre's style evolve over the decades?

In the 1960s, director Jiří Jaroš came to the fore, moving away from traditional, dialogue-driven staging toward visual experimentation. He introduced techniques such as black-light theatre, masks, and the mixing of live actors with puppets, expanding the theatre's artistic vocabulary and placing it within the broader movement of modern Central European puppetry.

What is the theatre like today?

Since 1994, the theatre has been led by director Vlastimil Peška, under whom it continues to blend classic fairy tales with contemporary staging techniques. Over nearly seventy years of operation, Loutkové divadlo Radost has produced close to 300 shows, making it one of the most prolific and enduring theatrical institutions in the Moravia region.

The theatre operates in Brno, the Czech Republic's second-largest city, and remains an important cultural landmark — both for families with children looking for an engaging outing and for theatre enthusiasts interested in unconventional staging.

Frequently asked questions

When was the theatre founded? Preparations began in 1945, and regular performances started in October 1947.

Who is the repertoire aimed at? Traditionally children, though the programme also includes productions for older audiences that experiment with puppetry as an art form.

What sets this theatre apart from other puppet stages? Its international tours as early as the 1950s and its pioneering use of techniques like black-light theatre.

Who currently directs the theatre? Vlastimil Peška has served as director since 1994.