Semafor – Jiří Suchý's Legendary Theatre in Dejvice

Semafor is one of Prague's most celebrated music theatres, located in the Dejvice district of Prague 6. Its story dates back to 1959, and it remains a living testament to Czech cabaret culture of the second half of the 20th century.

Who founded the Semafor theatre?

The theatre was created by Jiří Suchý, who, together with Jiří Šlitr and jazz musician F. Havlík, established his own author's stage after parting ways with Divadlo Na zábradlí. The name Semafor is an abbreviation of the Czech phrase "Sedm malých forem" (Seven Small Forms), reflecting the variety of the theatre's artistic program, which blends song, cabaret, pantomime and musical theatre within a single evening.

When did the theatre open?

Semafor launched on 30 October 1959 with the musical comedy "Člověk z půdy" (The Man from the Attic), written by Jiří Suchý and Jiří Šlitr. That evening is regarded as the birth of a phenomenon that would dominate Prague's cultural life throughout the following decade.

What was Semafor's "golden era"?

The theatre's first decade is remembered as its golden age – a period of dozens of musical hits, nightly sold-out houses, numerous films, books, television appearances and radio broadcasts. The duo of Suchý and Šlitr became synonymous with witty, sophisticated entertainment that, despite the censorship pressures of the communist era, managed to preserve its authorial character and retain a loyal audience for decades.

Where is the theatre located today?

Semafor's current home sits on Dejvická street in Prague 6, occupying basement premises of a residential building close to the Dejvická metro station. The venue faces the site of the former Svornost cinema. The auditorium offers an intimate, close-knit seating arrangement, characteristic of the tradition of small author-run stages.

Who runs the theatre now?

Semafor remains Jiří Suchý's private author's theatre – from its founding to the present day, the artist has stood at its helm, making it one of the longest-running theatres in the Czech Republic to operate under unchanged artistic leadership.

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Semafor mean? It is short for "Sedm malých forem" – seven small artistic forms combined within the theatre's programme.

When was the theatre founded? In 1959, opening on 30 October of that year.

Who created its first production? Jiří Suchý and Jiří Šlitr, authors of the musical "Člověk z půdy".

Where is the theatre located today? In the Dejvice district of Prague 6, on Dejvická street, near the metro station of the same name.

Why is Semafor so important to Czech culture? Because for decades it shaped the style of Czech musical cabaret and remained a symbol of creative independence during difficult political times.