Love Is More Powerful Than Death

May is one of the cornerstones of Czech literature, written in the spirit of Romanticism and first published in 1836. The tragic life of Karel Hynek Mácha—who died at the age of just 25—imbues the poem with a poignant depth, while his legacy endures through both his work and its lasting impact on Czech culture. May continues to be studied and celebrated, its influence still resonating in Czech literature to this day.

This evening is a heartfelt tribute to the memory of British actor Julian Sands, who tragically passed away on January 13, 2023, in a blizzard in the San Gabriel Mountains. Julian had a profound love for poetry, especially the works of 19th-century Romantic poets like John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley. While filming The Painted Bird in 2017, he shared his passion for these poets with director Václav Marhoul, reciting verses on crisp autumn evenings. A year later, for Julian's 60th birthday, Václav gifted him May by Karel Hynek Mácha, a work that captivated him deeply. Tonight is not only a remembrance of Julian, but a celebration of his lasting connection to literature, nature, and the beauty of language.

Jitka Čvančarová is a renowned Czech actress, singer, and director, celebrated for her extensive work in theatre, film, and television. A four-time Thalia Award nominee, she has earned critical acclaim for her stage performances and was nominated for Best Actress by the Czech Film and Television Academy for her role in The Painted Bird. In 2023, she made her directing debut with the successful play Swallow by Guillem Clua, in which she also starred. Outside of her artistic career, Jitka is a passionate advocate for charitable causes, including her long-time support of DEBRA CR, which aids people with the rare skin disorder Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB). She also launched an awareness campaign for EB and serves as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF, focusing on maternal and neonatal tetanus eradication in Mali. Through her work both on and off the stage, Jitka continues to make a lasting impact.

Václav Marhoul is a renowned Czech filmmaker with decades of experience in the industry, primarily as a producer. After leading Barrandov Film Studio as CEO from 1990 to 1997, he transitioned to directing, debuting with Smart Philip in 2003. His 2008 film Tobruk explored World War II through the story of Czechoslovak soldiers in the Libyan desert. Marhoul’s most recent project, The Painted Bird, based on Jerzy Kosiński’s novel, was nominated for multiple awards, including the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and an Oscar nomination for Best International Feature Film. Beyond his film career, he serves as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF, supporting its global humanitarian efforts.

Host or Publisher Czech Center New York