CZECH the NewsNews Newsletter of the Embassy of the Vol. 3, 2007 Holocaust Rescuers Recognized in Congress n July 31, 2007, the Cold War era. Contents: Office of Congressman The Forum OTom Lantos conducted included a 20- Message from the Ambassador..... 2 an open forum in the U.S. minute screening Congress to honor Nicholas of the documentary Visa Waiver Program Modernizing...... 2 Winton and Raoul Wallenberg, “The Power of two men who saved the lives Good” which Bush Unveils Victims of of thousands of European Jews chronicles the Communism Memorial...... 3 before and during World War story of Nicholas Embassy Adopts Animals...... 3 II. Mrs. Annette Lantos, wife Winton saving the of Congressman Tom Lantos, 669 Czechoslovak Czech Republic Ranks High in herself a Holocaust survivor children and Photo courtesy of JoAnn Cooper World Democracies...... 3 Deputy Chief of Mission Jaroslav Kurfurst and Czech saved by Wallenberg, moderated highlights the lives Honorary Consul General Peter A. Rafaeli Wilson Monument Returning to the event. some of them went speak at the forum. Train Station...... 3 Sir Nicholas Winton was a on to live. It also accomplishments achieved Prague and Chicago Celebrate 29-year-old English stockbroker featured a 7-minute clip from the through Winton’s personal Czech Culture...... 4 when he saved the lives of television show “60 Minutes” philosophy that anything can be

Say It in Czech—Czech Festival 669 Jewish and non-Jewish about Wallenberg’s rescue accomplished as long as it is not in Nebraska...... 4 Czechoslovak children during efforts that included Mrs. Lantos absolutely impossible. the months before the outbreak recounting her personal story Jaroslav Kurfürst, Deputy Czech Students Intern in of World War II. Mr. Winton and discussing Wallenberg’s Washington...... 5 Ambassador of the Czech recently celebrated his 98th post-war fate. Several guest Republic, spoke of Winton’s and Americans birthday in his native England speakers discussed their personal heroism and compassion toward Cooperate on Nanospider where he lives today. Raoul experiences with the two Research...... 5 humanity despite that Winton Wallenberg, a Swede, saved an rescuers. does not consider himself a hero. New Diplomat Welcomed...... 5 estimated 100,000 Hungarian Mr. Peter Rafaeli, Honorary Mr. Kurfurst attended the event on Jews over the course of the war, Consul General of the Czech behalf of Czech Ambassador Petr Did You Know?...... 5 and subsequently perished in the Republic in Philadelphia, PA, Kolar who was unable to attend. Transformation—The Making of an Soviet prison system during the spoke of Winton’s extraordinary Continued on page 12 Artist: Marta Topferova...... 6

Plastics Return, Rendezvous at the Black Cat...... 7 Bush Visits Prague Bengas Blends Romany Music in n his way to the democracy around the world Eclectic Soup for the Soul...... 8 June G-8 Summit saying that “every time Czech Organist Plays Dvorak Oin Germany, people are given a choice, for Czech National Day...... 8 U.S. President Bush they choose freedom.” He

Czech Wins Art Fellowship...... 8 spent 2 days in Prague praised the Czech Republic this summer meeting and other countries that have Academy Award Winning Czech with President Vaclav “recently felt the shadow Director to Present Washington Premiere...... 9 Klaus, Prime Minister of tyranny” for supporting Mirek Topolanek, and the cause of freedom. In Avalon Theatre Partners with other Czech government recognition of the successful Embassy for Second Season...... 10 officials. In discussions return of government Czech Photographer Opens at Prague Castle, both Affairs Photo courtesy of the Czech Ministry Foreign control to the Czech Panorama Exhibition...... 10 Czech leaders reiterated U.S. President George W. Bush people, Bush highlighted the at Prague conference their support for the U.S. missile Czechs’ historical appreciation Upcoming Czech Events in the U.S...... 10 defense system and the plans, requirement, which Topolanek of democracy, saying “People, currently under negotiation, for called “unjust.” your government has returned Fall Fashion Show at Embassy..... 11 the Czech Republic to host a Following his meetings to you,” recalling the quote

Embassy Announces Fall Cultural radar component of that system. at Prague Castle, President attributed to the 17th century Season 2007...... 11 They also urged Bush to do away Bush delivered a speech at Czech philosopher Jan Amos with the visa requirement for the Democracy and Security Komensky (Comenius), and Newsletter Goes Electronic...... 12 Czech citizens wishing to visit Conference, attended by echoed by both Tomas Garrigue the United States. Bush pledged dissidents, academicians, and Masaryk and Vaclav Havel when to continue working with the politicians. There he defended they assumed presidency of a U.S. Congress to remove the visa U.S. efforts to encourage newly free . Current Events

Message from the Ambassador

Dear Friends, With summer vacations behind us and many interesting fall activities starting to demand our attention, I would like to reflect briefly on some of the summer highlights in Czech-U.S. relations. As many of you know, visa equality with the United States has been a top priority of Czech foreign policy and an ongoing issue during my tenure as ambassador. Over the last year, through a campaign conducted by American Friends of the Czech Republic (AFoCR), many of you contacted your members of Congress asking them to include the Czech Republic and the other new European Union member states in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Your efforts have helped. In August 2007 President Bush signed new legislation that changes the requirements for VWP inclusion (see full story below). The majority of these

Photo courtesy of Chad Wyatt changes involve modernizing and standardizing travel security measures between countries, although certain stipulations that previously kept some of the closest U.S. allies out of the VWP unfortunately still remain. Overall, this new legislation is a step in the right direction and I am grateful for your ongoing support. Other good news from the U.S. Congress is a congressional resolution to honor Nicholas Winton, the Englishman who saved 669 Czechoslovak children before the outbreak of World War II. Resolution 583, introduced by Congressman Ron Klein of Florida and backed by Congressman Tom Lantos of California, was approved in July by the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and will go to the House floor for debate this fall. The same day, Mrs. Annette Lantos, wife of Congressman Lantos and a Holocaust survivor herself, chaired a forum to honor both Mr. Winton and Raoul Wallenberg, the Swede who saved over 100,000 Hungarian Jews during World War II. (see story page 1). Mr. Peter Rafaeli, the Czech Honorary Consul General in Philadelphia, was pivotal in introducing the Winton story to the U.S. Congress and I am grateful for his efforts. Other summer highlights include the unveiling of the Memorial to the Victims of Communism in June attended by President George Bush and Czech Senator Martin Mejstrik, who came to Washington especially for the unveiling and its related events (see story page 3). Prague Mayor Pavel Bem also visited the United States this summer to support and attend the Prague Days in Chicago festival (see story page 4). Looking ahead, our fall cultural season has many wonderful events to offer. Among the highlights are a September concert by the legendary Czech rock band Plastic People of the Universe, and a November concert by the Czech-born, New York-based singer and musician Marta Topferova. Plastic People, who symbolized resistance to Czechoslovakia’s communist regime, will perform their unique style of rock, while Topferova and her band will bring a Latin flavor to the Embassy. Ms. Topferova, described as a “leading light” of the nueva cancíon movement of Latin America, personifies a bridge between the cultures of the Americas and Europe. She and her band will perform a mix of original songs in Spanish combined with selections from her Czech folk music CD, Homage to Homeland (please see Ms. Topferova’s story on page 6). Also this fall, the world-renowned Czech film director Jiri Menzel will attend the European Film Showcase in the Washington metropolitan area to screen his latest film “I Served the King of England.” For a full list of fall cultural events, please see page 11. I look forward to seeing all of you this fall.

Warmly,

Petr Kolar

Visa Waiver Program Modernizing n August 3, 2007, ity with the United States. President George Bush President Bush has said he will signed Homeland Secu- continue to work with Congress O rity Bill H. R. 1, “Implementing to provide more flexibility to sions in H.R. 1, “Implement- global security. Recommendations of the 9/11 bring these closest U.S. allies ing Recommendations of the We will continue to work Commission Act of 2007” that into the program. 9/11 Commission Act of 2007,” for a visa policy that recognizes contains new legislation for Visa In response to the new recently signed by President our common security, economic, Waiver Program (VWP) partici- legislation, the Washington Bush. and foreign policy goals. As pation and increases U.S. secu- embassies of six members of We believe that these members of the European Union rity. Specifically the legislation the Coalition for Visa Equality provisions are a step in the and firm allies of the United establishes a new electronic released the following joint right direction. Nevertheless, States, we believe that success travel authorization system to statement: the legislation does not fully in this endeavor is a critical tool improve security for visitors The Embassies of the Czech meet our expectations due in strengthening our transatlantic from countries participating in Republic, Latvia, Lithuania, to its reliance on visa refusal alliance without differentiating the VWP as well as those await- Poland, Romania, and Slova- rates as a criterion for program between EU member states. We ing participation. While H.R. 1 kia appreciate the bipartisan participation. As a result, some of are committed to working with potentially enables inclusion of efforts of the U.S. Administration America’s closest allies will still the U.S. Administration and the Czech Republic in the VWP, and Members of both chambers be subject to artificial barriers Congress to achieve a solution some new European Union of Congress to modernize and that do not reflect their deep level that will allow for visa-free member states will still have to expand the United States Visa of commitment and engagement travel to the U.S. for our wait to qualify for visa equal- Waiver Program through provi- in enhancing transatlantic and citizens. 2 Czech the News/Vol. 3, 2007 Current Events Bush Unveils Victims of Communism Memorial .S. President George atrocities committed by the of communism is Bush officially dedicated world’s communist regimes, estimated at more Uthe Victims of Commu- to honor those who resist these than 100 million nism Memorial at an unveiling regimes, and to inform future worldwide. The ceremony in Washington, DC, generations about the threat of Czech Office for on June 12, 2007. The memo- tyranny. In his dedication speech, the Documentation rial, a statue of the “Goddess of Bush referenced and Investigation Democracy,” modeled on saying, “the Czech writer Milan of the Crimes

the statue created by Chinese Kundera once described the of Communism Photo courtesy of Daniel Novy students during the 1989 struggle against communism (UDV) documents U.S. President George W. Bush at the Victims of Tiananmen Square protests, was as ‘the struggle of memory 234 executions for Communism Memorial dedication partially funded by the Czech against forgetting,’” and added, political reasons under government. Ambassador Petr “Communist regimes did more the communist regime Kolar and Czech Senator Martin than take their victims’ lives; they in Czechoslovakia (1948–89) and labor camps. In total, nearly Mejstrik, who came from Prague sought to steal their humanity and another 4,000 deaths in 250,000 Czechs and Slovaks left especially for the event, repre- and erase their memory. With concentration camps and prisons. the country and 300,000 others sented the Czech Republic at the this memorial, we restore their Several hundred died attempting were subjected to persecution unveiling. humanity and we reclaim their to leave Czechoslovakia illegally at work or in their studies. For The goal of the memorial memory.” and thousands more were interned more information, go to www. is to remind the public of the The number of victims in Czechoslovak communist jails victimsofcommunism.org.

Embassy Adopts Animals Czech Republic Ranks High in s part of World Democracies its ongoing Acampaign to The Czech Republic ranks promote democracy number 18 on the World and human rights Democracy Index just behind around the world, the United States at number the Embassy of 17. Each year, the London- the Czech Republic based Intelligence Unit of The adopted two Photos courtesy of the National Zoo Economist surveys the world’s animals, both reptiles, The Burmese python and the Cuban crocodile democracies and ranks them at the Washington based on five categories: electoral process and pluralism; civil National Zoo, in Washington, supporting these animals, the liberties; the functioning of government; political participation; DC. The Cuban crocodile, an Embassy of the Czech Republic and political culture. The condition of having free and fair endangered species, and the strives to raise awareness of the competitive elections and satisfying other related aspects of Burmese python are indigenous international effort to return political freedom are the basic requirements to be considered a to countries where the Czech free will and self-governance true democracy. The World Democracy Index, which provides an Republic is actively involved to the people of Burma and overview of the current state of democracy worldwide, surveys in improving quality of life Cuba, and to show solidarity 165 independent states and 2 territories and covers almost the and returning full human rights for the stewardship of all their entire population of the world (27 micro-states are excluded). to citizens. By adopting and inhabitants. For more information and to view the full index, go to www. economist.com.

Wilson Monument Returning To Prague Train Station monument to U.S. the Moravian-born sculptor President Woodrow who later headed the sculpture A Wilson will return to the department at the Art Institute of main Prague train station that Chicago, created the larger-than- bears his name. The Prague City life-sized bronze. Its granite base Council approved the restoration was inscribed with the Wilson plan in August 2007 and the quote, “The world must be made Photo courtesy of the Prague City Council monument is slated to be unveiled safe for democracy” in both Czech Albin Polasek Museum Photo courtesy of Park, FL in Winter Garden & Sculpture Wilson Railway Station in Prague, Original Wilson Monument in 2009. “We want to rebuild the and English. The first statue of an Czechoslovakia, 1928 dedicated on July 4, 1928 monument for many different American president in Prague, reasons. Firstly, because of our it was destroyed by the Nazis the original. AFoCR director, summarized the respect for Woodrow Wilson, in 1941 during their occupation American Friends of the initiative, “The Wilson Monument and, secondly, because of respect of Czechoslovakia. The original Czech Republic (AFoCR) is in Prague, as the counterpart for our friends in the United site of the monument also was leading the Wilson Monument of the Masaryk Memorial in States and for our emigrants,” altered by construction during effort as a followup to their Washington, will complete said Prague Mayor Pavel Bem. the communist era. The Prague initiative that erected the the symbolization of the long- The original Wilson City Council is considering three Tomas Masaryk Memorial standing ties of friendship and Monument, which stood facing alternative locations near the in Washington, DC, in 2002. joint democratic values shared the Wilson Station, was dedicated train station for the new statue, Robert Doubek, project director by the American and Czech on July 4, 1928. Albin Polasek, which will be an exact replica of of the Wilson Monument and peoples.” Czech the News/Vol. 3, 2007 3 Czech Culture Prague and Chicago Celebrate Czech Culture uring June 2007 Chica- with Czech Day on Daley Plaza goans were treated to in downtown Chicago. Open- D“Prague Days in Chi- ing with a Czech flag-raising cago,” a month-long festival of ceremony, Czech Day featured Czech culture that celebrated free performances by Czech pop- the importance of Czech his- rock superstar David Koller and torical contributions to the city the Robert Balzar Jazz Trio. Dur- of Chicago. Numerous venues ing the month-long celebration, in the metropolitan area hosted thousands of guests attended more events showcasing Czech music, than two dozen events, which fine arts, film, business, tour- featured violinist Silvie Hessova, ism, and the history of Czech pianist Daniel Wiesner, painter Photo courtesy of the Consulate General Czech Republic in Chicago immigrants in Chi- Jan Grimm, cans in the Chicago area. Other From left: Edward Dellin – Prague Committee Chair of Chicago Sister cago. The festival movie director famous Czech Chicagoans are Cities International Program, included concerts, Jan Hrebejk, football pioneer and Bears icon Pavel Bem – Mayor of Prague, Petr Kolar – Ambassador of the Czech exhibitions, screen- sculptor David George Halas, former Illinois Republic in Washington, Marek ings, and seminars Cerny, graphic Governor Otto Kerner, astronaut Skolil – Consul General of the by celebrated Czech artist Oldrich Eugene Cernan, movie star Kim Czech Republic in Chicago artists and musicians Kulhanek, clas- Novak, and McDonald’s founder as well as noted sical guitar- Ray Kroc. business and gov- ist Vladislav Prague Days in Chicago ernmental leaders. Blaha, Ondrej co-sponsors and organizers in- Among the honored Havelka and his clude the City of Prague, the guests who attended Melody Mak- Consulate General of the Czech festivities through- ers, and many Republic in Chicago, the Prague out the month were others. Prague Committee of the Chicago Czech Ambassador Days culmi- Sister Cities International to the United States nated with the Program, and the Chicago May- Petr Kolar, Prague Golden Prague or’s Office of Special Events. Mayor Pavel Bem, Gala on June 29 Numerous other partners, among Chicago Mayor and the rededi- them the Ministry of Foreign Af- Richard M. Daley David Cerny’s sculpture Photo courtesy of the Consulate General Czech Republic in Chicago cation of Cer- fairs of the Czech Republic and and his wife Maggie “Man Hanging Out” Czech-American organizations in Chicago mak Road on June Daley, and former Il- 30. Cermak Road, in the Chicago area, also contrib- linois State Treasurer Judy Baar named for Czech-born Chicago uted to the festival’s success. Topinka. mayor Anton Cermak, is only To read more about the Photo courtesy of the Consulate General Czech Republic in Chicago Prague Days in Chicago one example of the rich historical Prague Days in Chicago festival, Ondrej Havelka and His Melody Makers perform at commenced on June 5, 2007, ties between Czechs and Ameri- please go to www.mzv.cz/chicago. Prague Days in Chicago.

Say It In Czech – Czech Festival in Nebraska he aroma of kolache, Nebraskan State Senator traditional Czech pastries, Russ Karpisek, one of the festi- Twas not the only palpable val co-organizers and a member pleasantry in the air at the 46th of the alumni band that marches annual Wilber Czech Festival, in the festival parade each year held in Wilber, Nebraska, August summarized the festival saying, 3–5, 2007. Czech pride also could “There are lots of polkas, and fun be felt in abundance as the town’s and dancing. Just everything that population of 1,700 swelled to you could want to do, there’s ev- nearly 50,000 attendees who erything going on.” Sheryl Kas- came to the “Czech Capital of the Photo courtesy of Nora Jurkovicova tanek, also a co-organizer and the USA” to celebrate their Czech Students in Nebraska celebrate the Czech Festival by dancing a polka. secretary of the Nebraska Czechs heritage and enjoy Czech culture, This year’s festival theme the annual Miss Czech-Slovak of Wilber, was ready to plan the food, and drink. “The people here “Say it in Czech” or “Rekni to USA pageant, which Ms. Jurkov- next festival before the dust from are more aware of their roots, Česky” celebrated the 100th icova described as “something this year’s had settled. “When and more aware of the beauty year that the Czech language has extremely unique. There were Monday morning comes, when of their traditions,” said Nora been taught at the University of competitors from 10 States; the the festival is over, we start tak- Jurkovicova who traveled from Nebraska-Lincoln. In addition to State queens were from all over ing new notes for the next year Washington, DC, to represent the Czech language, the festival the United States. They were and try to decide how to make the the Czech Embassy at the Wilber also celebrated the 1,000-year wearing kroje, or Czech national next festival better,” she said. The festival this year, “Sometimes history of the Czech lands with costumes, and were just beautiful. 47th Wilber Czech Festival will you have to travel very far from the Historical Pageant of the Of course they had to prove their take place August 1–3, 2008. your homeland to learn more Czech People, a theatrical multi- intelligence, their knowledge, and For more information, go to about yourself, your country, and media reenactment of Czech his- their knowledge of Czech history www.ci.wilber.ne.us. your culture.” tory. Another festival focus was as well.”

4 Czech the News/Vol. 3, 2007 Science and Education Czech Students Intern in Washington Czechs and Americans Cooperate on Nanospider Research

The Liberec-based company Elmarco, the Czech leader in nanofiber technology and a member of the North Carolina Nonwoven Cooperative Research Center, will take part in a 6-month research program Photo courtesy of Elmarco

Photo courtesy of Nora Jurkovicova at North Carolina State From left to right: Alexander Raiman, Petra Bartakova, Nanofibers with human hair Tereza Burianova, and Jiri Skoupy University (NCSU), in Raleigh, our Czech university University in Prague, and Petra NC. The joint project is planned students from Prague Bartakova and Alexander Raiman to begin in fall 2007 at NCSU, which is ranked in the top 10 of proved that they can from New York University in U.S. universities in nanotechnology. F Nanofibers, defined by the U.S. National Science Foundation compete and succeed in the Prague participated in the 8- international environment. All week internship program in as having at least one dimension of 100 nanometers (nm) or less, four attained highly prestigious Washington, DC, during summer are microscopic fibers used to make nonwoven textiles widely internships in Washington, DC, 2007. “We all attend different utilized in filtration, healthcare, cosmetics, and the building and through The Fund for American Institutes according to our majors automotive industries, among others. The name derives from Studies (TFAS). Each year and interests. The content of the nanometer, a scientific unit of measurement representing a TFAS brings together students classes and the type of internship billionth of a meter, or three to four atoms wide. The nonwoven from around the world for an depend on our Institute,” textile industry considers nanofibers as having a diameter of less intensive academic and cross- said Tereza Burianova who than one micron. cultural experience designed to interned at WAMU Radio in the In cooperation with the Technical University of Liberec in the instill an appreciation for the newsroom. Jiri Skoupy interned Czech Republic, Elmarco developed Nanospider technology, a American form of government at the Broadcasting Board of modified electrospinning system which processes a wide range and free enterprise. Participants Governors, Alexander Raiman at of polymers into nonwoven webs made of fibers 50–300 nm in the Washington internship the Travel Industry Association, in diameter. During the electrospinning process, high voltage choose from four TFAS Insti- and Petra Bartakova at the electricity is used to create and electrically charge a stream tute specializations—Political Contract Services Association of polymer solution. The fibers are formed by an electrostatic Journalism, Business and of America. In addition to their field from a thin film of an aqueous or solvent solution anda Government Affairs, Comparative internship work, the students wide range of other polymers. The advantages of Nanospider Political and Economic Systems, attended classes at Georgetown technology are the quality of its nanofiber material, its ease of and Philanthropy and Voluntary University and lived together in servicing and cleaning, and its high production capacity. Elmarco Service. its facilities. already has supplied the Nanospider technology to several U.S. Tereza Burianova and For more internship customers ranging from universities and commercial partners to Jiri Skoupy from the Faculty information, go to www. the military. The goal of the joint project is to develop nanofiber of Social Sciences at Charles tfasinternational.org. materials using new polymers.

New Diplomat Welcomed Did You Know? ajor General Emil • THE FIRST NANOFIBERS Pupis is the new Professor Oldrich Jirsak and his team from Liberec’s Technical MDefense, Military, and University were the first in the world to create a machine for Air Attaché at the Embassy of the the industrial production of nanofibers. Nanofibers are 1,000 Czech Republic in Washington, times thinner than a human hair and are used in filtration DC, and the new Head of the systems, for hygienic purposes, and for sound absorption. Military Section. Prior to coming to Washington, Pupis served • CZECH MUSIC ON THE MOON as Deputy Chief of the General American Neil Armstrong, the first man to step onto the surface Staff of the Armed Forces of the of the moon as part of the 1969 Apollo mission, carried with him Czech Republic and as the Joint on the voyage a recording of Antonin Dvorak’s 9th Symphony.

Operations Center Director. As a Photo courtesy of Major General Pupis fighter pilot, his career includes Major General Emil Pupis • EINSTEIN AT CHARLES UNIVERSITY commanding several fighter and in Alabama in 1999–2000. Major Albert Einstein worked as a professor at Charles University in fighter-bomber regiments and the General Pupis holds a number of Prague at the turn of the 20th century. Detached Air Reconnaissance awards and decorations including Regiment of the Czech military. the French Chevalier de la • CZECH PUCKS AT THE OLYMPICS He also served as Chief of the Legion D’Honneur, the State of The Czech company Gufex was the exclusive supplier of ice Air Force Inspectors Section. Texas Lone Star Distinguished hockey pucks for the 2006 Olympic Games in Turin and the A graduate of the Military Air Service Medal, and the Cross 2006 World Championship in Latvia. The company sent upward College in Kosice, Pupis earned of Merit of the Minister of of 10,000 hockey pucks to Turin, and was also the supplier of a postgraduate degree from the the Czech Republic, among pucks for the Olympics in Nagano and Salt Lake City. Gufex Military Academy in Brno, and others. Pupis is accompanied in owes its success to a unique technology and composition used in studied at the Air War College Washington by his wife Erika. manufacturing—the pucks don’t leave black marks on the ice. Czech the News/Vol. 3, 2007 5 Czech Americans

Transformation—The Making of an Artist: Marta Topferova “Imagine your parents transform into other characters right in front of you,” says singer/songwriter and musician Marta Topferova remembering her upbringing in Czechoslovakia. The daughter of stage and film actors, Ms. Topferova’s early childhood was peopled with artists who counterbalanced the grayness of the Czech industrial cities where her parents worked in local theater with what Topferova describes as the “always somewhat strange and magical” world of rehearsals and performances. “I am grateful for growing up with art and a sense of creativity around me,” she says, “I also witnessed that it’s really hard work. And since my parents made a living doing it, I somehow had faith that I could do it too if I was dedicated.” If her parents taught her artistic dedication, they also literally and figuratively set the stage for the transformative life that awaited her. When she was 6, they launched her into music with piano lessons, but Marta recalls, “I didn’t connect so well with the piano at that age, so nothing much came of it.” She studied

Photo courtesy of Marta Topferova languages—Russian then English, and when she was 8, her parents found a choir in Prague for her, which Marta Topferova Photos courtesy of Marta Topferova she joined and discovered that her paternal grandparents says, “I searched for things that Europe, Latin America, Thailand, she loved to sing and make music survived the war, neither was in were meaningful to me. I found and across the United States. She with a group. Her earliest musical her life past age 8. In her new myself gravitating toward other recently wrapped up a European influences were the Czech and home, her maternal grandparents immigrants and making Hispanic tour that included the Czech Slovak folk songs she sang in helped soften the edges of these friends. The Spanish language, Republic, England, France, choir, the occasional concert, and turbulent years in Marta’s life, music, and culture became my Germany, Holland, Hungary, the artists in her parents’ record infusing it with some of the main interest which offered and Switzerland. To date, Marta collection. Though small, it more idyllic trappings of Czech me tremendous richness, and a has released four CDs—Flor included the Beatles and an early childhood—mushroom and berry community with which I felt a Nocturna, 2006; La Marea, favorite of Marta’s, the Chilean picking in the forests, summer great affinity.” She taught herself 2005; Sueno Verde, 2003; group Inti-Illimani, which Homage To Homeland, instilled in her an attraction to “As an adolescent in the United States, the one thing I 2002; and is featured on Latin American and Spanish felt strongly about was to take advantage of the freedom a fifth—a 2007 Putumayo music. (Editor’s note: Inti- I was given,” Topferova says. compilation titled Women Illimani was a leading member of the World – Acoustic. of the nueva cancíon movement, trips in nature, and night time fairy Spanish and soaked up as much Topferova maintains a started in the 1950s and 60s, tales. Then in 1987 when Marta Hispanic music as she could. strong connection to her Czech which blended traditional Latin was 11, her mother—spurred by She also joined the Seattle Girls’ origins, annually visiting her American folk with popular the desire to see her own father Choir where she received ear grandmother and father, the rock music and had progressive, whom she had not seen in nearly training and music coaching, then Czech actor and senator Tomas sometimes politicized lyrics. In 20 years—moved her daughters entered Nova, an alternative high Topfer, who still live in Prague. 2007, the BBC called Topferova to the United States. They stayed school in Seattle, that allowed her “When I arrive, I get reminded “a leading light” of the nueva briefly in New York, but settled to include musical studies in her of how deep my roots go there. cancíon movement of today.) in Seattle, convinced by friends curriculum. Later, she followed All my ancestors were Czech— During the years of Marta’s that it was “an easier place for a her older sister to Bard College on my father’s side we have a musical awakening, her parents single mother with two kids who but left early because she says, family tree which traces back the divorced. She, her mother, and don’t speak English to restart “I felt pulled toward other ways whole family in the Czech lands older sister moved into one room their lives,” Topferova recalls. to learn what I was interested to the 1600s. On my mother’s in her maternal grandparents’ In Seattle Marta studied in.” Her musical passion led side, we are all Czechs for at home. Both of her grandmothers English before transferring to a her to Spain where she studied least the last four generations.” had worked for Czech radio public middle school, where she guitar and different song forms. But Marta appreciates aspects writing plays and stories. Marta’s says, “The real culture shock Along the way she found many of all three cultures which have maternal grandfather was a came.” With no direct relationship musical influences including influenced her life—Czech, dancer and choreographer who to her homeland and no Czechs Camaron de la Isla, Paco de American, and Hispanic—and had immigrated to Los Angeles to help her assimilate, she could Lucia, Pepe de la Matrona, Celia admits that assigning an identity in 1969. Her grandmother’s not find a widespread community Cruz, Joao Gilberto, Mercedes can be difficult, “I feel very second husband, a historian and where she fit in. But her new Sosa, Atahualpa Yupanqui, and mixed,” she says, “I guess I’m dissident, was not allowed to life wasn’t all isolation. “As an numerous others. In 1994 she more interested in staying open work in his field. The majority adolescent in the United States, returned to Prague for a year, culturally than in trying to have of her father’s family perished the one thing I felt strongly about then moved to New York and my identity all figured out. in Terezin and Auschwitz was to take advantage of the started playing professionally. Perhaps this is because my concentration camps. Although freedom I was given,” Topferova Topferova has performed in Continued on page 7 6 Czech the News/Vol. 3, 2007 Czech Music

Transformation—the Making of an Artist: Marta Topferova (continued) If her identity vacillates, it comes from an older woman language and its attendant culture music gives her constancy. who has learned repeatedly that are not the focus, “It’s a question “Music is like an anchor to me,” love leads to heartbreak but of deep affinity,” she says, “Music she says, “a dear companion. dares to love anyway. Given and poetry are a tremendous gift Through all the changes the journey and the many for humanity. I feel a calling to in my life, it has always transformations Marta Topferova preserve music that is honest, accompanied me.” Music has experienced, it is not so beautiful, and poetic. I’m doing also helps Topferova connect unusual that this Czech-born, what is sincerely close to my to others, “It’s a universal New York-based musician writes heart.” language humanity has and sings songs primarily in Marta Topferova and developed to share all kinds Spanish. For Topferova music is her band will make their of beautiful things, to tell transcendent. “At its best, music Washington, DC, debut at the stories…I strive to offer can be a very soulful spiritual Embassy of the Czech Republic

Photo courtesy of Gilles Larrain Gilles of courtesy Photo Marta Topferova a sort of refuge with my experience. There is something on Thursday, November 15, work, a place to turn away from vital that music offers,” she 2007, at 7 pm. For more concert Continued from page 6 the noise, pollution, and ugliness muses. Topferova feels she information, contact the Czech destiny has asked me to continue of the modern world.” achieves artistic success when Embassy at (202) 274–9126. to examine my values and what Topferova’s hypnotic her communicates with the To learn more about Marta I care about in the different soulful voice belies her young hearts of listeners. So whether Topferova and her music, go to cultures.” age, sounding instead as though it is Czech, English, or Spanish, www.martatopferova.com. Plastics Return, Rendezvous at the Black Cat ast time the Plastic People Brabenec, “We just wanted to do of the Universe were in what we liked doing. Because the LWashington, they played at state didn’t allow us to, the whole the Black Cat, a local indie rock thing turned political. We weren’t club, to a diverse audience which a political band at all, we wanted included the former President to make music. We looked for of the Czech Republic, Vaclav new poetry and tried to live a free Havel, and former Secretary of existence.” State Madeleine Albright. The Plastics began experi- Why such an elite follow- menting more, creating extraor- ing? Unknown to many in the dinarily original songs influenced Photo courtesy of the Plastic People Universe United States, the band became by experiments in electronic The Plastic People of the Universe rehearse on stage in London. a legendary example of Prague’s music and free-jazz breaking of tic People of the Universe band underground culture from 1968 stereotypes. In their songs they members brought international to 1989 in then-Czechoslova- revived the lyrics of the important attention and led to the forma- kia. Formed in Prague by bassist Czech poets and connected seem- tion of , kicking off , the Plastics play ingly incompatible worlds of in- the chain of events that would avant-garde rock reminiscent tellectuals and spontaneous rock culminate in the Velvet Revolu- of , the outcasts. However, merely dar- tion of 1989, when Vaclav Havel Doors, , and Captain ing to play creative rock music in became president. Former band Beefheart. , a Cana- Czechoslovakia in the 1970s and leader Milan Hlavsa modestly

dian, worked with the band for 1980s was a political act in a state said, “Historians see the Plastics’ Photo courtesy of Radio Prague 2 years teaching them English where music generated without arrest and sentence in direct rela- The Plastics met with Vaclav lyrics for cover songs and trans- an official seal of approval was tion to the origins of Charter 77… Havel along with documentary filmmaker Jana Chytilova. lating their original songs into tantamount to rebellion. For their Of course I also see the relations, English. “I enabled them to build artistic ambitions, the Plastics but only in that the trial brought very location where the confer- up a repertoire of cover songs, may have endured more harass- together people concerned about ences of the Communist Party but I never really felt comfort- ment than any other rock band the fate of our country, so Vaclav took place. able about the role, because I in history. Banned from public Havel was the engine of the ef- Band members include Josef always felt that at some point performance, they had to resort forts. The band itself had no po- Janicek (electric keyboardist), they would have to get beyond to giving their concerts in secret, litical ambition and we did not (singer/saxo- that,” said Wilson. He encour- or using weddings as an excuse intend to destroy communism by phonist), Jiri Kabes (violist), Joe aged the band to sing in Czech, to air their songs in public. When our music, but if we helped it we Karafiat (guitarist), Ivan Bier- which the Plastics did, becoming they refused to cease playing, the are only glad.” hanzl (string bassist), Ludvik legends in their own right. band members were beaten and In 1988, the band broke up Kandl (drummer), and Eva Turn- Although the Plastics were jailed. with some members forming ova (bass guitarist). The original not formed with the intent of cre- In response to the difficulty the group Pulnoc (“midnight” founding member, Milan Hlavsa, ating political change, their non- faced while imprisoned, Braben- in Czech). At President Havel’s died of cancer in 2001. conformist music went against ec said, “It is harder finding good suggestion, they reunited in 1997 Check out the Plastics on the grain of the communist poetry than being persecuted by in honor of the 20th anniversary September 22, at 8 pm, at the regime and the band often suf- the police. That phase lasted a of Charter 77, and subsequently Black Cat, sharing the main stage fered serious problems such as few years, but making lyrics fit were invited by President Havel with Macitajs on Acid. For more arrests. “We didn’t fight against the music can sometimes take a to play at a party commemorat- information about the band, visit the political power,” said band whole lifetime.” ing that anniversary in the Span- www.kandl.cz/plasticpeople/de- saxophonist/singer Vratislav The 1976 trial of the Plas- ish Hall of Prague Castle—the fault.aspx. Czech the News/Vol. 3, 2007 7 Czech Music and Arts Bengas Blends Romany Music in an Eclectic Soup for the Soul engas, one of the most popular Romany groups Czech Wins Art Bin the Czech Republic, has Fellowship performed with Perum, the oldest Romany folklore dance group in Europe, and with the renowned Gipsy Kings. Their instrumental cast includes four Spanish half acoustic guitars, bass guitars, percussion instruments and drums. On October 2, 2007, at 6 pm, they will bring their lively sound to the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage, strumming their guitars to the Romany Photo courtesy of Michaela Rygrova beats that have transported them Photo courtesy of www.bengas.cz Michaela Rygrova throughout the world. Bengas performs at an open air concert in Prague, Czech Republic. The group’s members have known each other and jammed of music which they call dza, Eastern Slovakian, and Swedish Michaela Rygrova, an together since elementary school, also the name of their first album, folk songs of the Romany arts manager from Prague, but did not officially which means people. Czech Republic, has been form a band until “go” in Romany Bengas performs regularly chosen as a 2007 Artslink autumn 2001. During or quite literally throughout the Czech Republic, Fellow. Every year CEC the 1990s, some of “on the road.” Europe, and at Romany music Artslink—an international the group members Their music and dance festivals, festivals arts service organization that had emigrated from is influenced against racism, international supports the exchange of the Czech Republic, by Romany, film festivals, international artists and cultural managers but in 2000, at a funk, jazz, Gypsy festivals, and various between the United States festival, they reunited Spanish, and performances at the National and Central Europe, and decided to stay in Russian rhythms, Theater in Prague, among Photo courtesy of www.bengas.cz Russia, and Eurasia— as well as rock. others. the Czech Republic Bengas sings at a concert in selects approximately 17 and play together. the Czech Republic. In many of their Don’t miss this performance, international Fellows to Comprised of eight lyrics, they sing an eclectic soup for the soul, that practice their art and expand band members, each brings his about God’s takes the audience on a voyage their skills at a U.S. host site. own experience to the eclectic word. Nine of the songs on their through the rhythms of music. One of 16 Fellows selected mix. Through their collaboration, Dza CD, are original. The other To listen to Bengas, please from over 75 applications, they have created their own style five are Hungarian, Yugoslavian, visit www.bengas.cz. Ms. Rygrova recently worked on the 2007 Prague Quadrennial International Czech Organist Plays Dvorak for Czech National Day Exhibition of Scenography avel Kohout, one of the the world’s largest international and Theater Architecture foremost Czech and organ competitions. He also which featured displays Pinternational concert has garnered first prizes at from 60 countries. She organists of the younger international organ contests in also has worked on theater generation, heads to Washington, Ljubljana and Vilnius and several production for the Academy DC, for his first U.S. concert. The other special awards including of Performing Arts and musical program which includes the “Dancing Angel” prize of the for New York University Dvorak’s famous Symphony No. European Music Competition in Prague. Ms. Rygrova 9, Op. 95, From the New World; for Youth. will spend her 5-week Preludium in D Major; Fuga in As a recitalist and soloist, fellowship at DiverseWorks, D Major; and Humoreska, Opus Kohout performs with various a nonprofit art center in 101, No. 7, will pay tribute to ensembles and orchestras at Houston, Texas, where she Czech National Day. The concert international concert venues hopes to gain insight into will be held on October 28, 2007, throughout Europe, Russia, the structure of cultural at 2 p.m. at the Church of the Australia, and Japan. He also organizations in the United Ascension and Saint Agnes. performs on live broadcasts for States, including how not- In preparation for a career Photo courtesy of Pavel Kohout Slovak Radio and the European for-profit arts organizations Internationally acclaimed Czech in music, Kohout graduated from organist Pavel Kohout Broadcasting Union and work, fundraising, and ticket the Prague Conservatory and the cooperates with Czech National sales and practices. Music Faculty of the Academy specialist Professor Jacques van Radio on the ongoing “Historical For more information on of Performing Arts in Prague Oortmerssen. Organs” project. Kohout presents the fellowship, go to www. under the guidance of Professor Kohout has won a number international master classes and is cecartslink.org. Jaroslav Tuma. From 1999– of prizes at international organ currently studying for a doctorate 2000, he continued his studies in competitions including the in historical performance practice historical organ technique at the prestigious first prize and J. of baroque organ music at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam S. Bach Prize at the IOCM Academy of Performing Arts in in the Netherlands with renowned Musashino in Tokyo—one of Prague. Czech the News/Vol. 3, 2007 8 Czech Film

Academy Award Winning Czech Director to Present Washington Premiere of New Film Czech film director Jiri Menzel became famous for his debut film Closely Watched Trains (Ostre sledovane vlaky), winning an Academy Award for Best Foreign Film in 1967. He has made over 20 films, starred in more than twice that many, and has written books about Czech cinema and more than a dozen scripts. Menzel will present the Washington, DC, premiere of his new film I Served the King of England (Obsluhoval jsem anglického krále, 2006), written by acclaimed scriptwriter Bohumil Hrabal, at the AFI Silver Theatre in Silver Spring, MD, during the EU Film Showcase on November 12, 2007, at 7 pm. A 2007 Czech Lions winner for Best Film, Best Supporting Actor, Best Cinematography, and Best Director, I Served the King of England is the director’s sixth adaptation of works by Bohumil Hrabal, and also recently won the International Federation of Film Critics Award at

Photo courtesy of intermedio.net the Berlinale 2007 Film Festival.

Like his compatriot Milos Hrabal’s greatest achievements— the text, I keep Forman, Menzel was influenced a view of the modern world and saying—this is terrible. I by Czech novelists rather than by a segment of 20th century history shouldn’t have left this Western filmmakers. Therefore, as reflected in the life of one out or that out,” he says. man” said Menzel. it is no surprise that Menzel “Maybe some people was a friend of the late Bohumil After taking a 12-year break will be disappointed Hrabal, and collaborated with from directing, Menzel returns to when they see the film him on several occasions, turning the director’s chair with I Served because they won’t his books into films. the King of England which find the scene they were Hrabal ranks among the enabled him to use comedy in expecting.” most influential Czech authors scrutinizing his country’s past. In response to the pressure of modern times. When he The film is the story of a man of making yet another successful I Served the Photo courtesy of http://www.list.co.uk died in 1997, he had written whose irresistible charm and adaptation of Hrabal’s work, King of England (I Served the King of England) approximately 50 books, 3 overriding desire to make it to Menzel said, “With the making (Obsluhoval jsem million printed in his native of every film, anglickeho krale, 2006) Czechoslovakia, and I loved and admired Bohumil Hrabal’s I am propelled by In Czech with English many translated into 27 writing from the moment I first discovered a fear of failure.” subtitles, 120 minutes languages. it. But it was never my wish to bring to the Menzel fought In the mid-1960s, screen a mere colored illustration of his a 10-year-legal Young provincial waiter Hrabal’s vision of the epic stories. Instead, I attempted to express battle for the rights Jan Dite wants to become world so fascinated Jiri and preserve, as best I could, the spirit of to I Served the a millionaire, and he Menzel that Menzel and Hrabal’s narrative style and interpret his King of England, knows just how to do it: by six other filmmakers of the voice through the language of film. which were sold hearing everything, seeing Czech New Wave created ~ Jiri Menzel more than once so everything, and using what Pearls on the Bottom that several names he heard and saw. (Perlicky na dne) from Hrabal’s the top let him wander unharmed were working on the project at Armed with this collection of short stories. through the political and social the same time. At the 1998 knowledge, he soon However, it was not until the upheavals experienced by Karlovy Vary film festival, leaves his first place of filming of Closely Watched Czechoslovakia in the 1930s and an incensed Menzel took employment, a pub, for a Trains (Ostre sledovane vlaky, 40s. It tells the tale of a quick- his stick to the film’s then- luxury brothel and, finally, 1965), which remains one of witted waiter who beds a string producer, Jiri Sirotek, finding an elegant restaurant. But by the most compelling films of the of beauties in pre-war Prague, out that other people were now it is the late 1930s, and 1960s, that Menzel and Hrabal marries an Aryan superwoman planning to direct the film. things are changing: Hitler became closer friends. Menzel as the Germans march in, and When asked by Variety has taken the Sudetenland furthered his collaboration with finally settles down to reflect on Magazine’s Elizabeth Guider and is breaking apart Hrabal making Cutting It Short his bizarre life after winning and what was so special about Czechoslovakia. Jan falls (Postriziny, 1967), a film about losing a fortune. directing this particular film, in love with Lisa, a Sudeten a brewery and the beautiful “From the author himself Menzel only replied: “What German proud of her Aryan wife of the owner. The director we know the novel was written is special you have to find blood. They marry, and solidified this successful in a very short space of time as yourself—in the book and in when Lisa returns from the partnership with the writer in a spontaneous reaction to the the film.” front, she has a fortune in the 1970’s with Larks on a constant pressure, emotional and On November 12, 2007, at rare stamps that Jews had String (Skrivanci na niti), a film social, under which the writer 7 pm, Menzel will present the “left behind.” Jan sells that was immediately banned by was forced to live in the period Washington, DC, premiere of I the stamps, becoming a the communist authorities and of ‘normalization’ (i.e., the Served the King of England at millionaire. He only has 3 remained shelved until 1990, post-1968 years) when he was AFI Silver Theatre. Viewers can years to enjoy his fortune: after the revolution. not allowed to publish,” said see for themselves the beauty the new Communist regime “For over 30 years my work Menzel. and mastery of Hrabal’s work puts him behind bars for 15 has been interwoven with that In an interview with the through the eyes of director Jiri years, one for each of his of Bohumil Hrabal. The novel Prague Post, Menzel discussed Menzel. millions. I Served the King of England the struggles of putting the For additional details, please Upon his release, Jan (Obsluhoval jsem anglickeho book to screen. “It’s a very rich visit: www.afi.com/silver. reflects on the life he led. krale, 2006) is for me one of novel. Whenever I return to Czech the News/Vol. 3, 2007 9 Czech Film Avalon Theatre Partners with Embassy for Second Season Upcoming Czech he Avalon, a historic art house theater in the Nation’s capital, brings the mastery of Czech filmmaking Events in the U.S.

to the Washington, DC, area, offering the local community the special treat of seeing Czech films on September 23 the big screen with English subtitles. Audiences may already know such legends as Milos Forman T (Victoria, TX) and Jan Svankmajer, but this season promises a diverse blend of cinema, from the clay animations of Aurel Klimt and Vlasta Popisilova to the drama of Julius Sevcik and Michaela Pavlatova. The films at the Avalon The 22nd Annual Victoria not only give audiences an insight into Czech filmmaking, but also help support future artistic endeavors Czech Heritage Festival cel- of the filmmakers. ebration will be held at the Victoria Community Center. The event features live bands, October 10, 8 pm November 14, 8 pm December 12, 8 pm dancing, Czech food and crafts, and much more. For more information, visit www. vcchs.homestead.com.

September 26 (Cleveland, OH) Celebrate St. Wenceslaus Day Photos courtesy of Irena Kovarova Photos courtesy of Irena with a concert and dance at Faithless Games Restart Fimfarum Karlin Hall. The day will fea- (Neverne hry) (Restart) (Fimfarum) ture the Hronek Czech Band and traditional Czech food. Directed by: Michaela Pavlatova Directed by: Julius Sevcik Directed by: Aurel Klimt, Vlasta For more information call 2003, 92 min., in Czech with 2005, 85 min., in Czech with Pospisilova (216) 581–4362. English subtitles English subtitles 2002, 117 min., in Czech with Starring: Zuzana Stivinova, Starring: Lenka Krobotova, Filip English subtitles September 29 Peter Bebjak, Jana Hubinska, Capka, Anna Polivkova, and (Baltimore, MD) Ady Hajdu, and Kristyna Svarinska Vaclav Jiracek Made over 17 years (on and off), Sokol Baltimore will hold their the film is composed of a series annual Vinobrani dinner dance Faithless Games is the feature Sevcik creates a blood-pumping of five fairytales based on the at 6:30 p.m., at the American debut film of director Michaela drama out of the most common of legendary book of the same name Turner’s Hall in Baltimore. Pavlatova. The story revolves circumstances well described by by Jan Werich. The beloved For tickets and informa- around a pianist, Eva, who has the film’s jingle: “Did you ever Czech storyteller’s cautionary tion, contact Frank Huber at followed her husband, Peter, wish to start again?” One sentence adult fairytales are brought to [email protected]. a musician and composer, uttered by the main character, life with puppets and drawings to a village near the Slovak- Sylva, out of complete boredom in a gloriously twisted style. The September 30 Hungarian border. As much as changes her life in a moment, short stories are stitched together (Houston, TX) Peter finds this new environment and she only has one day to gain by a jovial storyteller. When The The 44th Annual Slavic Heri- peaceful for his composing, Eva, her lover back. What follows is Leaves Fall from the Oak finds a tage Festival will be held at a musical performer, finds it a wild run through contemporary farmer worming his way out of a the SPJST Lodge Ball Room, difficult to expand her horizons. Prague and its night clubs in a pact with a fussy devil, Fearless located at 14th and Beal The film is a chamber piece about refined visual style. Rumor has Francis tells of a pub full of dead Streets. The festivities include love, human failings, and finding it that a Hollywood studio has card players, while Stingy Barka Czech food, entertainment, one’s self. acquired the original screenplay is about a frugal woman who and cultural exhibits. For rights for an American remake. saves old sausage skins to use as more information, please con- curtains. tact [email protected].

October 6 (Yukon, OK) Come celebrate the 42nd an- nual Oklahoma Czech Festi- val. For more information visit www.oklahomaczechfestival. com. Photo courtesy of Veronika Lukasova Photo courtesy of Veronika Czech Photographer Opens Panorama Exhibition October 7 (Chicago, IL) n October 4, 7–9 the nuances of everyday life. impression as life itself is multi- The Friends of the Bohe- pm at the Embassy, Lukasova began experiment- layered, repretitive, juxtaposed, mian National Cemetery will Oaward-winning Czech ing with the panoramic format in and chaotic.” Her work has sponsor a walking tour of the photographer Veronika Luka- 2005, and says, “Every impres- appeared in magazines and news- cemetery’s highlights. For in- sova presents her collection of sion and memory of a place is papers such as The Washington formation contact Anna Sch- Holga panoramas which delve different, distorted by time that Post Magazine, the New York nedorf at (708) 366–6564 or into her memories of grow- inevitably passes despite our Times, and in solo and group [email protected], or go ing up in the Czech Republic, best efforts. The singular image exhibitions in the Czech Repub- to www.friendsofbnc.org. discovering New York City, and can hardly express my personal lic and the United States. Continued on page 12 10 Czech the News/Vol. 3, 2007 Czech Community Fall Fashion Show at Embassy n spring 2007, Czechs would want to wear, clothes that safari-style suits, an assortment Michaela Schwartz and are elegant as well as functional. of neutral dresses in linen, IDaniela Cermanova opened (Green and Blue) will have chiffon, and cotton from Rebecca Green and Blue, a new women’s clothes for every woman’s Taylor and Cynthia Rowley. The clothing and jewelry boutique working as well as casual vibe in the back is weekend city in Washington, DC. wardrobe,” she said. chic: eye-popping graphic tunics, On October 11, they will Cermanova met her business jeans from Citizens of Humanity, present the fashions of the new partner and Czech native Michaela and Cermanova’s ELA ELA- store at a fashion show at the Schwartz in Washington, DC. brand camisoles and skirts. Embassy of the Czech Republic. Schwartz opened Green Models, including Miss DC and Blue “to provide 2006 Kate Michael, will strut Washington women down the catwalk showcasing the with an oasis in which to clothing line ELA ELA designed shop where every client by the store co-owner Daniela is treated to a personal Cermanova, fashion from Czech shopping experience. We designer Sona Hlavackova, and wanted to open a clothing glass jewelry made by the Czech store where we would company Liglass. want to shop. We want Daniela Cermanova, born every visit to the store to Photo courtesy of Green and Blue Photo courtesy of Green in Prague, trained in Bologna, be a personal shopping Left to right: Daniela Cermanova and earning a B.A. in Fashion Design. experience for our Michaela Schwartz at their DC store Green and Blue. She moved to Naples in 1996 to clients,” Schwartz said. open a boutique and develop her Schwartz has a degree in The Fall Fashion Show takes own brand of couture, often using Business and worked in the place at the Embassy of the fabrics designed and handpainted business sector in Europe for a Czech Republic. Admission is by Daniela herself. She moved number of years before coming $15. Reservations are required. to the United States in 1999 and to Washington. Please call (202) 274–9105 to

Photo courtesy of Green and Blue Photo courtesy of Green returned to Prague to develop The boutique, although attend this event. Miss DC 2006, Kate Michael, wears a stunning evening gown created ELA ELA, her own clothing small, offers a range of attire. For more information about by Czech designer collection for Green and Blue. The front section is devoted to the Green and Blue, visit www. Daniela Cermanova. “I love to design clothes that I professional wear: Cynthia Steffe greenandbluestyle.com.

Embassy Announces Fall Cultural Season 2007 September 25, 8 pm Avalon Theatre November 7, 7–9 pm December 12 Rock Concert: Plastic People 5612 Connecticut Avenue Exhibition and Lecture Lions of Czech Film Series of the Universe Washington, DC 20015 Czech Christmas Ornaments Fimfarum (Fimfarum) Black Cat Embassy of the Czech Republic Avalon Theatre Admission: $15 October 11, 7 pm Admission: Free Admission: Adult $9.75/ Fall Fashion Show Senior, Student, or Military $7 Black Cat Green and Blue November 12, 7 pm, 9:40 pm 1811 14th Street, NW Embassy of the Czech Republic EU Film Showcase with guest ...... Washington, DC 20009 Admission: $15, reservations director Jiri Menzel required. Call (202) 274–9105. I Served the King of England For up-to-date information on October 2, 6 pm (Obsluhoval jsem anglickeho krale) embassy cultural events, please World Music: Bengas October 17, 7:30 pm Admission: Adult $9.75 / Senior, visit www.mzv.cz/washington. Kennedy Center Millennium Stage Classical Concert Student, or Military $8.50 Click on “Culture” and then on Admission: Free Intimate Letters: Words and “Calendar of Events.” Music of Leos Janacek AFI Silver Theatre The Kennedy Center Embassy of the Czech Republic 8633 Colesville Road If you have any questions 2700 F Street, NW Admission: $15 Silver Spring, MD 20015 about upcoming events, please Washington, DC 20566 call (202) 274–9105. October 28, 2 pm November 14, 8 pm October 4, 7–9 pm Czech National Day Concert Lions of Czech Film Series Photography Exhibition Pavel Kohout plays Dvorak’s Restart (Restart) Veronika Lukasova New World Symphony Avalon Theatre Embassy of the Czech Church of the Ascension and Admission: Adult $9.75/ Republic St. Agnes Senior, Student, or Military $7 Admission: Free Suggested $10 Donation November 15 October 10, 8 pm Church of the Ascension and World Music Concert Lions of Czech Film Series St. Agnes Marta Topferova and her band Faithless Games (Neverne hry) 1217 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Embassy of the Czech Republic Avalon Theatre Washington, DC 20005 Admission: $20 Admission: Adult $9.75/ Senior, Student, or Military $7 Czech the News/Vol. 3, 2007 11 Updates

Holocaust Rescuers Recognized in Congress Czech the News Goes Electronic Continued from page 1 Ms. Kayla Kaufman of Two of the children saved New York, who was saved by Starting with this issue (Volume 3, 2007), Czech the News by Winton, Alice Masters of Wallenberg, spoke about post- (CTN) is available in electronic format. The new electronic Bethesda, MD, and Dr. Benjamin traumatic stress syndrome and version will be sent to all CTN subscribers via e-mail. Hard Abeles of New Jersey, shared her personal struggle with the copies will be printed in limited quantities and mailed only their personal stories of survival. memories of her family’s escape. to readers who request it. The electronic newsletter looks exactly Alice Masters, whose two sisters Concurrent to the Wall- like the printed version and can be read page by page on any also were saved by Winton, enberg Forum, the House computer without needing to be downloaded. No software pointed out that “The Power of Committee on Foreign Affairs applications are necessary. Shifting to an electronic newsletter Good” contains footage of her unanimously approved House reduces environmental impact, cuts costs, and allows for a wider mother putting her little sister on Resolution 583 to honor Nicholas readership. To request continuation of a hard copy subscription the transport and taking her off Winton and those who helped or to ensure receipt of CTN electronically, please e-mail Romana three times before she was finally with his rescue effort. Resolution Lesakova at [email protected]. For questions or more able to pull herself away from her 583 was debated by the House information on the electronic newsletter, please e-mail JoAnn M. girls. The three sisters never saw and adopted by the U.S. Congress Cooper, CTN Editor-in-Chief, at [email protected]. their parents again. on September 17, 2007.

Upcoming Czech Events in the U.S. (continued) Continued from page 10 October 7 October 14 October 27 Czech Listings (Green Bay, WI) (Cincinnati, OH) (LaGrange, IL) For a listing of Czech events A Czech festival will be held The Dvorak Society of Slovak The Prague Committee of the in the United States, please at Ravine and will include music will present Jewels of Chicago Sister Cities organi- visit www.mzv.cz/washington. Czech dancing, singing, and Czech Piano Music with So- zation will give a lecture at the Click on “Culture and Events” music by the OK Band and nya Szabo Reynolds and Tiraje Czech and Slovak Americans and then on “Czech Events.” the Newtonburg Brass Band. Ruckman (piano). Admission Genealogy Society. For more For more information e-mail is free. For more information, information, please contact [email protected]. visit www.premierpianos. Marge Sladek-Stueckemann at

com/NewEvents.html. [email protected].

and Lenka Fenclova Lenka and

Production Assistants: Pavel Mrazek, Katerina Dolezalova, Katerina Mrazek, Pavel Assistants: Production

Circulation: Romana Lesakova, [email protected] Lesakova, Romana Circulation:

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