Women, Shut Up!

A play about an incorrigible woman. Růžena Vacková, a professor, archaeologist, art historian, political prisoner. She taught at universities and in prison toilets. A woman who—after sixteen years—left in the Communist jail unbroken. 

Back in 1952, Prosecutor Čížek described the audience attending the trial as follows: “The public is highly satisfied. So far, two applauses on the open stage although we avoid making a theatre show out of it.” Sentenced to twenty-two years in prison she spent there almost sixteen years, refusing to plea for clemency. 

Throughout all the stormy years she was a lighthouse guiding her fellow prisoners. She can see a ‘divine spark’ in each and every thief, whore or murderer; not just in her political inmates. “I am not paying for anything because even this place where I found myself is a place I decided for of my own will. And my staying here arises from the fact that I follow my own free will.” 

(quotes from Růžena Vacková’s letters)

The project was supported by: The Prague Municipality, the Czech Ministry of Culture, the State Cultural Fund, and the Charter 77 Foundation.