The Hopeful Brothers

How we played for the Republic.

Our grandparents used to tell us that “those who play never go astray,” but did you know that you can actually become a hero by playing and acting? Come discover how in this story about four puppeteer brothers who were members of the Czechoslovak Legion and were so brave that they managed to perform puppet theatre even when in great danger. They helped establish the independent Czechoslovak Republic, so it’s thanks to them that we can perform here today, proudly and bravely, just as Antonín, Matěj, Vojta and Jindra Kopecký did back then.

Based on a true story.

This production uses strobe lighting.

About the company

Jan Jirků has created numerous productions on historical topics for Minor Theatre (Hunt for Jednorozec, The Story of Lipany, Zá-to-pek!), in which he brings the stories to life for family audiences compelling portrayals of the lead characters’ life stories. This time, he looks at the lives of the Kopecký brothers, who performed puppet theatre during the First World War and whose puppetry skills brought joy to others in situations we can only begin to imagine.

Awards

the Puppet Theatre category
ERIK Award 2022 – awarded by UNIMA
Jakub Kopecký – Theatre Critics Award – for scenography
Jan Jirků a Jakub Kopecký – Theatre News Award 2022 in the Puppet and Visual Theatre category
Skupova Plzeň 2022 Festival Award (Jiří Hradil – music, Jakub Kopecký – scenography, V. Jelínek, B. Joura, P. Smolárik, G. Hašek – performance, Jan Jirků – script and direction)