In September, Strašnické divadlo will transform into a football stadium, where audiences will enjoy an exceptional performance dedicated to the legendary Czechoslovak goalkeeper František Plánička. Actor Jaromír Nosek will take on the lead role.
TICKETS FOR THE PLAY PLÁNIČKA: FOOTBALL KNIGHT ARE AVAILABLE HERE.
Plánička, regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in history, became an icon not only in Czechoslovak football but also on the global stage. His career highlights include winning silver at the 1934 World Cup and being ranked among the top ten goalkeepers in the world by the International Football Federation. Although he started his football career at Sparta, he fully developed his career wearing the SK Slavia Praha jersey, where he played nearly a thousand matches.
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Although I’m not a huge football fan, František’s story is so incredible that I might even start playing football myself.
Director Olga Strusková has chosen to focus on Plánička’s personal story and his contributions both on and off the field. The play František Plánička: Football Knight combines live performances, video segments, and archival materials, including photographs and period songs. “His personal story will be told through two characters – Plánička and a reporter who has followed his career throughout his life. We wanted to incorporate the personal memories of his daughter, Mrs. Dana Lukešová, and his grandson, Martin Lukeš, who have enriched the theatrical narrative,” explains the director.
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Just like a football match, the play will be divided into two halves. The first half will depict Plánička’s story, while the second will feature memories of the legendary goalkeeper from his family, sports historian Vladimír Zápotocký, and other contemporaries. By agreement with SK Slavia Praha, the second half will also include current and veteran football players who have made their mark in the history of the football club.
Jaromír Nosek, who has embraced his role with enthusiasm, says, “Although I’m not a huge football fan, František’s story is so incredible that I might even start playing football myself, because it’s truly a beautiful sport.” The actor will be joined in the play by Josef Hervert, who will play the role of a reporter and other minor characters. Ála Šebková, producer and director of Strašnické Divadlo, praises Nosek’s athletic talent and approach to rehearsals: “At first, I had concerns. My first question was whether he had any knowledge of football. He told me he was completely unfamiliar with it, but I could see that I had sparked his interest.”
František Plánička, who lived to the remarkable age of ninety-two, was not only an exceptional goalkeeper but also a true gentleman both on and off the field. His exemplary approach to football and unwavering fairness earned him a prestigious fair-play award from UNESCO. This year, as we commemorate his legacy, celebrations are taking place not only at Slavia but also in the Prague 10 district, where he spent part of his life after his career ended. “This play is the culmination of the thematic year we dedicated to František Plánička,” says Deputy Mayor Pavel Šutka. “Not only was he a strong personality associated with Prague 10 and Slavia, but this year also marks the 120th anniversary of his birth. For this anniversary, we joined forces with SK Slavia Praha and Strašnické Divadlo to honor and celebrate his extraordinary story. Plánička was considered the best goalkeeper in the world during his time.” Despite his height of only 172 centimeters, Plánička was renowned for his remarkable agility and outstanding reflexes. The creation of this unique production, which combines football with theater and brings the story of one of Czech history’s greatest sports heroes to life, was made possible through the support of Prague 10 and collaboration with SK Slavia Praha.
The premieres of the play will take place on September 12 and 16, 2024, at Strašnické Divadlo, followed by additional performances. This project is not only a celebration of an exceptional sports career but also a reminder of the values represented by František Plánička – passion for sport and fairness.
