Karel Šourek – Moderní studio: 1929 Czech Avant-Garde Theatre Poster

Šourek, Karel (design). Moderní studio. Premiéra: Hra o Asagao – Kyklops – Vysedával telata. Prague: Moderní studio, 1929. Original typographic theatre poster. 47 × 31.5 cm. Printed in black and red on yellow paper. Designed by Karel Šourek.

Original poster announcing the premiere performances of three plays at Prague's Umělecká beseda theatre on 14 and 17 February 1929, directed by Jiří Frejka, with E. F. Burian conducting his experimental Voice Band and choreography by J. Krošchlová. The programme comprised Hra o Asagao by Yamada Kakashi, Kyklops (Cyclops) by Euripides, adapted by M. Hlávka, and Vysedával telata, a carnival play by Hans Sachs.

This was the first new production staged by the recently formed Moderní studio (Modern Studio), which emerged from the dissolution of Frejka's and Burian's Dada Theatre. Founded in February 1929 under Frejka's direction, Moderní studio continued the theatrical experiments of its predecessor, exploring the integration of movement, music, rhythmic speech, and collective vocal expression. E. F. Burian's Voice Band, which treated the human voice as a rhythmic and musical instrument, was an important element of these experiments. The programme brought together Japanese drama, ancient Greek satyr theatre, and German Renaissance popular comedy, reflecting the company's experimental approach to dramatic repertoire. Moderní studio was short-lived, ceasing operations during the summer of 1929.

VG condition. Small tears at borders. Minor chip at lower left corner.