Confession of a Jailor

Each character in the play “Confession of a Turnkey” has its prototype in a specific person. We dedicate the play to these hidden authors – individuals who lived, suffered, resisted, and died in communist labor camps during the staged political trials culminating in the 1950s.

The production is based on contemporary documents, texts, memories, and fates. The plot of the play is particularly inspired by the fate of Monsignor Jan Podveský, who was sentenced in connection with the Babice trials. His story was recorded by Jaroslav Sojka in the book “Friend, back then I believed; today, I have everything verified.”

A detailed insight into the practices of investigative authorities was provided by the briefly imprisoned State Security investigator Bohumil Doubek in an extensive testimony he wrote as part of his own defense.

The production employs original visual elements – masks and puppets. We perceive the play as our reconciliation with the past and an expression of respect for the victims.