Zdeněk Šikola

Zdeněk Šikola was a composer who proved that stage music is not merely an accompaniment, but a distinct dramatic element filled with irony and unexpected sounds. His name is inextricably linked to the golden era of the Divadlo Na zábradlí (Theatre on the Balustrade). It was here, under the direction of Jan Grossman, that he created the musical identity of cult productions such as Ubu Roi, The Trial, or The Susan Game. However, he also collaborated with other major stages, including the State Theatre Ostrava, the S. K. Neumann Theatre, and the J. K. Tyl Theatre. Šikola was a master at incorporating real-world sounds and parodic musical interludes that perfectly complemented the Theatre of the Absurd. Beyond the stage, his work resonated through film, radio, and television—notably on projects like How to Get a Good Child or The Ghosts of Prague. He was an artist who worked in manual trades before being allowed to study at the conservatory, an experience that was deeply reflected in his creative work.