Vladimír Nývlt

Vladimír Nývlt was a Czech stage designer of international renown who significantly shaped 20th-century theatre scenography. After graduating from the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague, he began at E. F. Burian’s Theatre, where he became head of design and developed his distinctive style based on stage architecture and stylised forms. From the 1960s, he worked closely with the National Theatre, focusing mainly on opera productions, often in collaboration with director Ladislav Štros and costume designer Josef Jelínek. Their legendary La traviata (450 performances, 1982–2005), as well as Falstaff, The Devil’s Wall and The Plays of Mary, became milestones. His sets for Rienzi and Otello are considered highlights of Czech opera scenography. His final work was Mozart’s The Magic Flute for the State Opera in Prague. Nývlt also worked with the Vinohrady Theatre, Prague City Theatres and many other Czech and international companies. He received top awards, including a gold medal at the Prague Quadrennial (1967) and the São Paulo Biennale (1969). Vladimír Nývlt remains one of the most distinguished Czech scenographers with lasting international acclaim.