Friday morning was dedicated, among other things, to Czech illustration. Andrea Tachezy, Kateřina Illnerová, Petra Josefína Stibitzová, and Lucie Lučanská spoke about their work and sources of inspiration. Petr Hanel, Vojtěch Matocha, Karel Osoha, and Hana Hadas explored both dark and hopeful themes in young adult literature. The discussion also touched on support for the Czech book market through the Creative Europe program.
Radka Denemarková presented her novel Kobold and also participated in an international discussion on literature and human rights. Anna Beata Háblová and Kristina Hamplová showcased contemporary Czech literature on the Swiss stage OFF Bühne Schweiz. Martina Trchová, Marta Bartolj, and Renáta Fučíková discussed how books can tell stories even without words as part of the Silent Books – Loud Stories program.
Live drawing also continued in the Czech pavilion. There, Kateřina Čupová created a large-format illustration inspired by the final scene of Čapek’s play R.U.R. and her comic book adaptation of the work. Gradually, an image emerged on the wall of an abandoned factory on a remote island, whose ruins are slowly being reclaimed by new life.
Friday afternoon also brought a healthy dose of verbal energy. The Harbour Stage hosted a Czech-German Slam Poetry Battle, featuring Jaromír Konečný, Daniel Wagner, Večerka, Vašek z Aše, and Tomáš Kůs. The performances, themed “The Retold Past,” offered various perspectives on history, and the audience decided the winner.
The literary program continued beyond the fairgrounds that day as well. As part of LiteraturBahnhof, Lucie Faulerová and Jiří Hájíček presented their books; Bianca Bellová met with readers at the Weltenleser bookstore; and Radka Denemarková screened her feature-length documentary Mein Leben für mein Wort at Arthouse Kinos. Directed by Slobodanka Radun, the film explores her literary work, civic engagement, and personal life. The evening at Romanfabrik featured the Czech Extravaganza event, which brought together Czech and German comics, live drawing, and music.
Photos: Sabine Felber; Connor Jandourek Photostudio