Josef Svoboda

Josef Svoboda was a legendary Czech scenographer, whose name is recognized by theatre professionals worldwide. A graduate of UMPRUM and DAMU, he became head of stage design at the National Theatre and later co-founded Laterna magika, which dazzled audiences at Expo 58 in Brussels. He became famous for his innovative use of light, projection, and space – his sets were not just backdrops but dramatic elements in their own right. Svoboda collaborated with the National Theatre, Laterna magika, and leading international stages from Paris to New York. Over his career, he created more than 700 scenographies and became an icon of modern stage design. Critics called him a “genius of light” (New York Times) and “the most influential scenographer of the 20th century” (Le Monde). Josef Svoboda’s legacy continues to inspire stage designers and theatre makers around the globe.