Jiří Suchý, born on October 1, 1931 in Pilsen, is one of the most important Czech artists. During his long career, he became an icon of the Czech theater, but also a composer, lyricist, playwright and actor. His work was always associated with a unique humor that was able to appeal to a wide audience. Jiří Suchý is the founder of the legendary Semafor Theater (the theater of Sedmi Malý Forem), where together with Jiří Šliter he created countless songs that still resonate in Czech culture today.
Artistic biography of Jiří Suchý? In 1959, together with Jiří Šlitra, he founded the aforementioned Semafor theater, which soon became a cultural phenomenon. Šlitr brought musical genius, while Suchý created unforgettable lyrics. Their collaboration gave rise to such works as Jonah and Tingletangl, A well paid walk and many others.
Together they created performances that were full of intelligent humor, poetics and satire. At the same time, they combined elements of cabaret, jazz and theater, which was revolutionary for its time. After the tragic death of Jiří Šlitro in 1969, Semafor found itself in a difficult situation, but Jiří Suchý continued on.
In 1975, Jiří Suchý found an excellent partner in the actress and singer Jitka Molavcová, and together they created an unforgettable stage couple that still forms the core of Semafor. Molavcová became not only his acting partner, but also an important part of his creative team.
Their productions, such as Jonáš and Melicharováare still popular today. Suchý and Molavcová form a harmonious pair that complement each other perfectly – Molavcová brings freshness and playfulness, while Suchý brings his deep experience and irony.
Jiří Suchý’s personal life was not without difficulties. The tragic death of his son Jakub and his first wife Běla, who died in 1985, affected him deeply, but despite the personal losses he remained incredibly active and creative, even today, in his old age, he is still active on stage. His songs, lyrics and plays have a timeless character and appeal not only to older generations, but also to younger audiences.
