Jester

In 1989 we began filming a quick-motion film about Jakub Spalek (filmed over a period of several years). At that time he was a student of acting in his last year at the Prague School of Dramatic Arts (DAMU) and had great plans for the future. About a week after filming began the Revolution broke out and Jakub became one of the student leaders. The Revolution ended, so did the student's strike and they subsequently put on a graduation production of "Danton's Death". Thus they completed their drama studies and hurled themselves into a new life. We continued to observe Jakub: he founded the "Kaspar" club, resisted a number of tempting offers of work and resolutely fought for his own independence. He studied a number of plays with the "Kaspar" club members - their main project was Cyrano. Then came the marvellous opportunity to perform in their own theatre - the Rokoko theatre in the centre of Prague. This was a fortuitous time: their own theatre drama concept, the public became their kindred souls. The company was succesful, they attracted both audiences and positive criticism. Also playing an equal role in the company is actor Jan Potmesil who, after a car accident in November 1989 , became disabled and is now confined to a wheelchair.

Problems for the group occured after a conflict with a discotheque which was housed in the same building. The theatre management did not support Jakub in his dispute - and it ended with the company's notice to quit the Rokoko. It was roughly at this time that our film - reports on three years in the life of Jakub Spalek - came to an end.

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