Jaroslav Pokorný

Jaroslav Pokorný is a Czech translator, dramaturge, and teacher, considered one of the most important figures in theatre translation. His texts have been performed on the stages of the Činoherní klub, the National Theatre, and many regional theatres. He translates primarily from English and French, specialising in both modern and classical plays, to which he brings a lively language, rhythm, and theatrical energy. He closely collaborated with director Ladislav Smoček, for whose productions at the Činoherní klub he created several key translations. Thanks to his work, Czech audiences have been introduced to plays by authors such as Peter Quilter, David Mamet, and Yasmina Reza. Critics praise his sense of humour, precision, and ability to capture dramatic situations. Jaroslav Pokorný is thus regarded as a translator whose name guarantees quality and clarity on Czech theatre stages.