CZECH the NewsNews Newsletter of the Embassy of the Vol. 2, 2007 Klaus Visits the United States zech President Vaclav the local business community. Klaus traveled to the Before leaving Louisiana, CUnited States in March Mr. Klaus surveyed areas 2007, visiting Texas, Louisiana, devastated by Hurricane Katrina. and Alabama before arriving In Alabama, Klaus in Washington, DC. While in participated in the Birmingham Houston, President Klaus met International Center’s Spotlight with former U.S. President on the Czech Republic, a George H.W. Bush. He also year-long presentation of addressed the Economic Chamber Czech culture to the people of the World Affairs Council and of Alabama. He also met

met with Houston Mayor Bill with Alabama Governor Bob Photo courtesy of Daniel Novy White. In Louisiana, University Riley and addressed a joint President of the Czech Republic, Vaclav Klaus (left), and Ambassador of of New Orleans Chancellor Tim session of the Alabama the Czech Republic to the United States, Petr Kolar (right), meet former Ryan conferred an honorary legislature. President of the United States, George H. W. Bush (center). doctorate in philosophy and Wrapping up his U.S. visit the priorities on the President’s Chairman of the Federal Reserve financial economics on President in Washington, DC, President U.S. agenda. At the CATO Alan Greenspan and his wife Klaus. The ceremony was Klaus held meetings with House Institute, Klaus gave a speech Andrea Mitchell, Chief Foreign followed by a reception at the Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate titled, “Facing a Challenge of the Affairs Correspondent for NBC World Trade Center where Klaus Majority Leader Harry Reid, Current Era: Environmentalism.” News. met privately with Louisiana Secretary of Defense Robert A reception at the Embassy of President Klaus has been Governor Kathleen Blanco. The Gates, and Vice President Dick the Czech Republic in honor of to the United States numerous President also met with New Cheney (President Bush was in Klaus concluded his visit and times, but the March trip marked Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin and Mexico). Missile defense and the was attended by numerous VIP his first visit to the U.S. South. numerous representatives from visa waiver issue were among guests, among them former

New Foreign Minister Makes U.S. Debut Contents: n his new capacity as rights are threatened, our Minister of Foreign Affairs, human rights are threatened.” Message from the Ambassador...... 2 IKarel Schwarzenberg made Other topics for discussion on Visa Waiver Program Modernizing..... 2 his first official visit to the United the Minister’s agenda were the States in April 2007. The goal of asymetrical visa policy between Embassy, Havel Launch Human Rights Initiative...... 3 the Minister’s trip was to discuss the United States and the Czech important bilateral issues with Republic and the U.S. request for Havels Wrap Up U.S. Sojourn...... 3 high-ranking U.S. Government a missile defense radar base on

Embassy Participates in Adopt a Doll officials. Top on his agenda were Czech soil. Program...... 3 what the Minister described as While in Washington,

Gregor Mendel in Washington, DC... 4 “two of the solid pillars of Czech Minister Schwarzenberg met foreign policy,” transatlantic with U.S. Secretary of State Paul Wilson – Translating Havel...... 4 relations and human rights. Condoleezza Rice, Secretary

Masaryk Biography Republished...... 4 Speaking at a reception held in his of Homeland Security Michael honor at the Embassy of the Czech Chertoff, Secretary of Commerce EU Celebrates 50 Years, Poetry Project Launched...... 5 Republic in Washington, DC, Carlos M. Gutierrez, and U.S. Minister Schwarzenberg said Assistant to the President Pop Icon Performs at the Embassy...... 5 that the European-American for National Security Affairs Photo courtesy of Daniel Dedek Minister of Foreign Affairs, Upcoming Events...... 5 friendship was extremely Stephen Hadley. He also met Karel Schwarzenberg important and that transatlantic with members of the U.S. meet with United Nations Under- Jaroslav Cervenka – Man of Science and Letters...... 6 relations have been neglected Congress to discuss political and Secretary-General for Political since the fall of communism trade relations and participated Affairs Lynn Pascoe. He also Excerpt from “Salima on the in Europe. He also emphasized in a conference on the proposed toured the newly renovated Czech Governor’s Bed”...... 7 the importance of supporting U.S. missile defense system National Building (Bohemian Havelka and Melody Makers...... 8 democracy, human rights, hosted by the Prague Security National Hall) in Manhattan

Upcoming Czech Events...... 8 and personal freedoms saying Studies Institute and the Atlantic where he attended a performance “wherever democracy is Council of the United States. of “The Servant of Two Masters” threatened, our democracy is Minister Schwarzenberg by a visiting troupe from the threatened, wherever human then traveled to New York to National Theater in Prague. Current Events Visa Waiver Program Modernizing Message ince the fall 2006 language. from the announcement by President With minor exceptions, SGeorge Bush that the U.S. the provisions in bill S.4. are Ambassador Visa Waiver Program (VWP) agreeable to the government will be modernized, the U.S. of the Czech Republic, which Government has been work- already has implemented Dear Friends, ing to create the necessary new updated security measures in its Support of human rights and legislation. These policy changes, airports, passport technology, democracy is a top priority which will shift VWP focus away and information-sharing systems. of the Czech government from immigration control to the However, some provisions and of our Embassy here enhancement of international would still limit VWP in Washington. During the security, potentially could lead to inclusion for several members Photo courtesy of Chad Wyatt winter, I had the opportunity the inclusion of numerous U.S. of the Coalition for Visa to travel to Miami and Puerto Rico where I met with members allies in the VWP that are not Equality. Comprised of U.S. of the exiled Cuban communities. I was very impressed to see currently in the program, includ- allies not included in the VWP, how well-organized and successful these communities are. ing the Czech Republic. the Coalition works to remove While flourishing as vital citizens of their adoptive home here On March 13, 2007, the the visa barrier between the in the United States and Puerto Rico, they are dedicated to U.S. Senate passed bill S.4, United States and these U.S. lending the force of their success to the cause of freedom in “Improving America’s Security allies. Coalition membership their homeland. It was an honor to meet representatives of the Act of 2007.” S.4 contains currently includes eight many Cuban and American pro-democracy groups and share provisions to enhance VWP new European Union experiences with them from the Czech transition to democracy. security requirements, which, if member states—the Czech Given the current power shift in Cuba, combined with the level met by countries that are allies Republic, Estonia, Hungary, of commitment and support from the exiled Cuban community in the war on terrorism, would Latvia, Lithuania, , and the international community, there is reason for optimism mean the same visa-free Slovakia, and the newest member that Cuba may soon enjoy the freedoms of democracy. travel privileges for their Romania. The Czech Republic, While former Czech President and human rights advocate citizens traveling to the United along with the Coalition, will Vaclav Havel held the Chair of Modern Literature at the States that U.S. citizens continue to work closely with Library of Congress (LOC) for 2 months this winter (see story enjoy when traveling to these members of the U.S. Government page 3), the Embassy was privileged to work with both the countries. In order for S.4 to to ensure that the new LOC and with Mr. Havel to coordinate human rights events in become law, the House of VWP legislation will lead to support of Burma. Mr. Havel lent his presence and his wisdom Representatives must pass its inclusion of all the Coalition to The Burma Forum: Havel, Burma, and Total Denial (see own bill containing similar countries. story page 3) at the Embassy in February, 2007. This was the first of what will be a series of ongoing forums, co-organized by the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Washington, DC, and Timeline of Events the Stanley Foundation of Muscatine, Iowa, and dedicated to March 8, 2007 raising awareness of human rights abuses in Burma. The goal President Klaus and his delegation of the Burma Forum is to help the international community met with Ambassador Kolar, find ways to ameliorate the Burmese crisis. his wife, and special guests at President Vaclav Klaus also came to the United States a small reception at the in late winter with visits to Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, and Ambassador’s residence during Washington, DC, where he met with U.S. Vice President President Klaus’s visit to

Dick Cheney, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and other top Photo courtesy of Mary Fetzko Washington, DC. President Vaclav Klaus (left), administration officials (see story page 1). While the Visa Ambassador Kolar, and Waiver Program and the U.S. missile defense base in the Czech Jaroslava Kolarova Republic were top on President Klaus’s agenda, he also spoke April 17, 2007 on environmentalism at the CATO Institute in Washington, Ambassador Kolar hosted DC, and even managed to attend his first rodeo in Texas. a reception for Maestro Jiri Our cultural calendar has been just as active this winter and Belohlavek who will be in spring, and I encourage you to check the listings on page 5 for Washington, DC, until the end of upcoming events. One highlight includes the English-edition May to conduct the the National launching of Vaclav Havel’s latest book, which he partially Symphony Orchestra (NSO) and

wrote here in Washington. Paul Wilson, Mr. Havel’s English Photo courtesy of Jana Kalimonova the Washington National Opera. language translator, will present the book To the Castle and NSO Executive Director, Rita Shapiro (left), Ambassador Kolar Back (Prosim strucne) at the Library of Congress on May 17, (center), Jiri Belohlavek (right) 2007, and will discuss what it is like to translate Mr. Havel’s work. The event is free and open to the public. April 23, 2007 As always, I am grateful for your ongoing support of the At the DC International Film Embassy, of Czech culture, and of the Czech-U.S. friendship. Festival, Ambassador Kolar I look forward to seeing all of you at our next event. introduced Director Jan Warmly, Hrebejk at the screening of the award-winning Czech film Beauty in Trouble Photo courtesy of Mary Fetzko Ambassador Kolar, Jan Hrebejk (Kraska v nesnazich). (center), and translator Blanka Petr Kolar Novotna

2 Czech the News/Vol. 2, 2007 Human Rights Embassy, Havel Launch Human Rights Initiative he Embassy of the Czech answered questions. TRepublic and the Stanley The Burma Forum is a Foundation presented The Burma continuing series co-organized Forum: Havel, Burma, and Total by the Embassy of the Czech Denial at the Embassy of the Republic in Washington, DC, Czech Republic on February and the Stanley Foundation of 26, 2007. This event marked the Muscatine, Iowa, to encourage opening of The Burma Forum, a discussion about how the new ongoing series to promote international community can human rights in Burma. best support efforts to bring The Forum opened with about national reconciliation a 30-minute screening of the and transition to democracy award-winning documentary for the people of Burma, Total Denial about human including full restoration of Photo courtesy of Veronika Lukasova Photo courtesy of Veronika rights violations in Burma, Former President of the Czech Republic Vaclav Havel human rights. Future sessions made by Bulgarian filmmaker answers a question during the Burma Forum. of The Burma Forum will Milena Kaneva. Following the director Ms. Milena Kaneva, and how the international community bring together experts from the film, Ambassador Petr Kolar Burmese human rights advocate can help affect positive change. public and private sectors in a moderated a panel discussion Mr. Ka Hsaw Wa. The screening Following the panel discussion, personalized setting to promote with human rights advocate and and discussion centered on human Mr. Havel, Ms. Kaneva, and constructive and indepth former President of the Czech rights violations perpetrated by Mr. Ka Hsaw Wa engaged the dialogue about the current crisis Republic Vaclav Havel, film Burma’s military regime and audience in an open dialogue and in Burma. Havels Wrap Up U.S. Sojourn n March 2007, Vaclav Havel on his writing, Mr. Havel On February 26, 2007, Iand wife Dagmar Havlova used his time in Washington Mr. Havel helped the Embassy returned to the Czech Republic to continue his human rights of the Czech Republic launch after a nearly 6-month stay in advocacy. On February 20, its new human rights initiative, the United States. The Havels 2007, he led a discussion with the Burma Forum, by leading a had been in Washington since eight international dissidents panel discussion on human rights

the beginning of January. and activists on the struggle for abuses in Burma (see article Photo courtesy of Mary Fetzko The playwright, human rights human rights in Belarus, Burma, above). Mr. Havel also attended Vaclav Havel meets with Frank Calzon from the Center advocate, and former Czech China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, the presentation ceremony of the for a Free Cuba. President was a writer-in- and Russia. Called “Dissidents 2007 Gratias Agit Award given residence at the Library of and Freedom,” the forum was by the Czech government to Irena This trip to Washington Congress (LOC), holding the held at the Library of Congress Kirkland, a Czech American marked the second time in the Chair of Modern Culture at with a standing-room-only advocate of democracy, human past 3 years that Mr. Havel the Library’s John W. Kluge audience of more than 200 in and worker rights, and refugee was writer-in-residence at the Center where he worked on attendance. Mr. Havel spoke on assistance. Along with Czech Library of Congress. During his next play. Before coming the importance of international Ambassador Petr Kolar and his previous LOC residency, to Washington, Mr. Havel support for dissidents and former U.S. Secretary of State Mr. Havel worked on his latest was scholar-in-residence at citizens of oppressed countries, Madeleine Albright, Mr. Havel book, To The Castle and Back Columbia University in and emphasized the need for presented Mrs. Kirkland with (Prosim strucne) published in New York. media coverage in helping the award 1 week before her English by Random House in In addition to focusing promote human rights struggles. death in January 2007. May 2007. (See page 4) Embassy Participates in Adopt a Doll Program n April, Embassy staff and Milanese pet name for rag doll. C’est une vie ICzech Americans volunteered School children, senior citizens, sauvee), Finland to make handmade dolls for the service clubs, and volunteers (Anna & Toivo), Adopt a Doll Program (Adoptuj get together to hand-make the and the Czech Panenku) which raises money for rag dolls representing children Republic (Adoptuj UNICEF’s global immunization around the world. The dolls are Panenku). program. Each doll is original and then exhibited and sold to raise When a doll is when “adopted” raises around funds for UNICEF. “adopted,” in the $30, the cost for one child to Each year, 3 million Czech Republic,

receive life-saving immunizations children die from diseases that the new parent Photo courtesy of Martin Dvorak against the six deadly childhood are preventable using available sends a note to the From left to right: Jaroslava Kolarova, Jana Kalimonova, Zuzana Dvorakova, Lenka diseases: pertussis, childhood vaccines. The Adopt A Doll maker of the doll Fenclova, Liba Ellinger, Eva Cernikova, and tuberculosis, tetanus, polio, Program is just one step in to inform him or Barbara Podoski (sitting). measles, and diphtheria. helping UNICEF reach the her that the doll Originally known as the 30 million infants who grow has a new home and parents and four dolls which they named Pigotta Project, the Adopt A Doll up without being immunized, that one more child will receive Bozenka, Babetka, Kvido, and Program was developed 15 years ago and is being adapted in other a full course of life-saving Kordulka. Students from Czech in a small Italian town outside Milan. countries including France (Les immunizations. The volunteers schools throughout the country The word “pigotta” is an endearing Frimousses, Une Poupee adoptee, at the Czech Embassy made also participate in the program. Czech the News/Vol. 2, 2007 3 Czech Culture Gregor Mendel in Washington, DC r. Jaroslav Cervenka (see Olomouc Institute of Philoso- his groundbreak- Masaryk Darticle page 6) is not the phy where his physics professor, ing 8-year-long ex- Biography only scientist from what is now a man of the cloth, recognized periment with pea the Czech Republic whose re- that Mendel’s keen intellect plants, meticulously Republished search has im- would be well-served collecting data that pacted the study by the priesthood, allowed him to discern of genetics. In fact, offering the young patterns that revealed the father of genet- scientist a stable “elements” responsible for traits ics, Gregor Men- livelihood and a passing from one generation del, hailed from a scholarly life. So to another. Today we know town that today is in 1843, only 21, these “elements” as genes. The known as Hyncice Johannes Mendel exhibition features several inter- Photo courtesy of UCIS in Czech Silesia. became an Augus- active displays and nearly 100 The University of Pittsburgh, When Mendel tinian novice, taking objects from Mendel’s work, University Center for was born in 1822, the name Gregor, among them, his letters, journals, International Studies (UCIS) his village was Photo courtesy of The Field Museum and entered the Ab- photographs, botanical speci- has reprinted the biography Mendel’s Abbey called Heinzen- bey of St. Thomas in mens, and garden tools. It also of Alice Garrigue Masaryk, dorf in what was then Aus- present-day Brno. includes a section on daughter of Tomas Garrigue trian Silesia. Mendel himself To help the public modern Mendels Masaryk, the first president had a name change. Known to learn more about the about scientists of Czechoslovakia. Using us as Gregor, he was actually fascinating work and who are using Men- Alice’s own words and baptized as Johannes. The only life of Gregor Mendel, del’s work to map letters, combined with those son of a poor farmer, Johannes The Field Museum in genomes and other of her friends, the book was expected to carry on the farm- Chicago developed the modern applica- chronicles major events in ing tradition. But young Men- exhibition Gregor Men- tions, as well as Alice’s life from childhood del was bright and determined del: Planting the works by contem- through the tumultuous to study. The family’s poverty Seeds of Genetics, porary artists that years of establishing Photo courtesy of The Field Museum limited his scholarly prospects currently on view at Mendel’s Botanical explore the subject Czechoslovakia and later and an accident that debilitated the Museum of Health Specimen Box of genetics. Af- trying to save it from the his father further strained their and Medicine in Wash- ter its Washington ravages of World War II ability to support his academic ington, DC, until September 16, run, the exhibition will travel and the communist takeover life. Johannes persisted, suffer- 2007. The exhibition tells how a to Columbus, OH; Memphis, in 1948. Alice Garrigue ing hunger and hardship in the friar, working alone with simple TN; and Philadelphia, PA. Masaryk, 1879–1966 was pursuit of an education. First tools, cracked some of science’s For more information go to compiled by Ruth Crawford he went to high school in what toughest mysteries. Visitors http://nmhm.washingtondc. Mitchell and is available is today Opava, then on to the can see how Mendel conducted museum. for purchase from the University of Pittsburgh, UCIS. To order copies call (412) 624–6150 or write to Paul Wilson – Translating Havel the University of Pittsburgh, aclav Havel’s latest book To recollects the pivotal experiences translator of Czech writers such Nationality Rooms Program, Vthe Castle and Back (Prosim of his life and writes with as Josef Skvorecky, Vaclav 1209 CL, Pittsburgh, PA strucne) will be launched in eloquence and candor about his Havel, Ivan Klima, and Bohumil 15260. Washington at a noontime transition from playwright to Hrabal. Mr. Wilson’s translations discussion with Paul Wilson, Mr. politician and the challenges of are familiar to readers of the New Havel’s English translator, at the governing a young democracy. Yorker, Granta, Foreign Affairs, Library of Congress on May 17, Paul Wilson is a freelance and The New York Times. His 2007. Sponsored by the Library’s writer, editor, radio producer, translation of The Engineer of John W. Kluge Center and the and translator who spent 10 years Human Souls by Josef Skvorecky Embassy of the Czech Republic, in Czechoslovakia (1967–1977) earned the Governor General’s the event is free and open to the where he taught English and Award for Fiction in 1984, and public. learned Czech. He was expelled his translation of Ivan Klima’s My As writer, dissident, and by the Communist government Golden Trades was short-listed statesman, Vaclav Havel played for his association with the for the Independent newspaper’s an essential role in the profound dissident movement, particularly International Translation Award changes in Central Europe during for his involvement with the in 1993. the last decades of the 20th underground music scene as a In 2001, Wilson published century, and became a powerful member of the legendary rock his translation of Havel’s play intellectual and political force for band, The Plastic People of “The Beggar’s Opera.” Recently, Photo courtesy of Random House the reestablishment of democratic the Universe. Returning to he completed a new translation Building, Room 119, 10 First principles and institutions. In this his native Canada, Wilson of “The Memorandum,” an early Street, SE, Washington, DC. For intimate, illuminating memoir, actively promoted the work of play by Havel, in addition to his more information, please call a considerable amount of which dissident writers and musicians work on To the Castle and Back, (202) 274–9126 or go to www. was written while Havel held during the remaining years and his own memoir. mzv.cz/washington. To learn the Chair of Modern Culture of totalitarianism. He also The Havel book launch more about the Kluge Center at at the John W. Kluge Center at began writing for magazines will take place at the Library the Library of Congress, visit the Library of Congress, Havel and distinguished himself as a of Congress, Thomas Jefferson www.loc.gov/kluge.

4 Czech the News/Vol. 2, 2007 Cultural Program EU Celebrates 50 Years, Poetry Project Launched o commemorate the 50th held a Marathon Reading of all Upcoming Tanniversary of the European 135 poems. Cultural Attache Events Union (EU) and celebrate the of the Czech Embassy, Jana cultural diversity of Europe, Kalimonova, read the featured Embassy of the all 27 EU member states and Czech poems including Country the European Commission in House (Venkovsky dum) by Pavel Czech Republic Washington, DC, have launched Srut; At the Pond (U rybnika) by www.embassyseries.org an ambitious literary project titled Emil Julis; Sudden Feeling (Nahly European Poetry in Motion®. pocit) by Sylva Fischerova; June 6, 8 pm During May 2007, 135 Natural Causes (Rozepsano Hessova-Wiesner Duo poems―5 poems from each v den smrti) by Petr Borkovec;

of the 27 member states of the Photo courtesy of Stefan Mobs and XXX by Viola Fischerova. Metro bus advertises European Union―will be Poetry in Motion. On May 20, 2007, from 4–6 exhibited on posters in the pm, the Embassy of the Czech Washington area bus and metro Cultural Counselors Roundtable Republic will participate with system in their original language of the member states of the other EU countries in a poetry Photo courtesy of Hessova-Wiesner and English translation. EU European Union in Washington, reading at Busboys and Poets, country representatives also will DC, and their local supporters. located at the intersection of 14th The brilliant Czech duo participate in a marathon reading The project enables EU countries and V Streets, NW, Washington, of Silvie Hessova (vio- at the Goethe Institute and poetry to highlight their own languages DC. Each country will have lin) and Daniel Wiesner reading at Busboys and Poets. and literature while supporting 5 minutes to present a short (piano) has toured all over Further information about the the United States in its valuable introduction of the poet, his or her the world to great acclaim. countries and poets are provided efforts to promote literacy. The significance in national literature, They will be performing on the project’s Web site: www. ability to read and write not a reading of the first four stanzas works by Leos Janacek, Ju- europeanpoetryinmotion.eu, only opens the doors to a good of the poem in the native raj Filas, Antonin Dvorak, which was launched on March education and a successful career, language, and the whole poem Jan Hanus, and Josef Suk. 25, 2007, the 50th anniversary but also to learning about other in English. Admission is free. A reception with Czech of the signing of the Treaty of cultures—all essential to meeting For more information about food, wine, and beer follows Rome, which laid the foundation the challenges of a globalized European Poetry in Motion® the performance. for the European Union. world. and its related events, go to: European Poetry in On May 5, 2007, from www.europeanpoetryinmotion.eu. Admission: $50 Motion® is a project of the 2–7 pm, the Goethe Institute Tickets: (202) 625–2361 or www.embassyseries.org Czech Pop Icon Performs at the Embassy arta Kubisova, whose Songs and Ballads. Avalon Theatre Msong “A Prayer for Marta” All records with her www.avalontheatre.org (Modlitba pro Martu) became the name on the label June 13, 8 pm rallying cry of Czech resistance were removed from Return of the Idiot to the 1968 Soviet invasion, stores. The song, “A (Navrat idiota) performed at the Embassy of the Prayer for Marta,” Czech Republic on April 3, 2007, also was banned. to a sold-out crowd. Ms. Kubisova A member of the Golden was one of the origi- Kids, a vocal trio that included nal 243 signatories Helena Vondrackova and of Charter 77—the Vaclav Neckar, Ms. Kubisova manifesto signed in Photo courtesy of Irena Kovarova gained notoriety during the 1968 1977 by Czechoslo- Photo courtesy of JoAnn Cooper Drawing inspiration from Prague Spring—a brief period vak citizens, includ- Marta Kubisova signs books for her fans after her concert at the Embassy of the Czech Republic. the main character of of political liberalization in ing Vaclav Havel, Dostoyevsky’s, The Idiot, Czechoslovakia led by Alexander who represented Embassy of the Czech Republic, the film reveals a serio- Dubček and ended by the August various occupations, political Ms. Kubisova sang along to comic, modern-day love 21st invasion of Czechoslovakia viewpoints, and religions—that recordings of hits from early story. Frantisek, recently by the Soviet Union and its criticized the communist Czecho- in her career and played radio released from a psychiatric Warsaw Pact allies. “A Prayer slovak government for failing to broadcasts from the 1960s. Now hospital, tries to assimilate for Marta” became the most implement human and civil rights in her 60s, Ms. Kubisova also lent into mainstream society. famous single in Czechoslovakia provisions of documents it had her warm, sultry voice to Beatle’s after the 1968 invasion. The signed, including the Czecho- songs and other classics. After Directed by: Sasa Gedeon subsequent resultant hardline slovak Constitution. In Novem- the show, audience members 1999, 99 minutes crackdown led the communist ber 1989, Ms. Kubisova broke lined up for autographs and Czech with English subtitles Czechoslovak government to ban the ban on her career when she some had original LPs from the Ms. Kubisova from performing emerged onto the stage at a dem- 1960s which Kubisova revealed Tickets can be purchased at or recording in Czechoslovakia onstration against the communist she does not have in her own the box office a half hour for political reasons. At the time, regime. She performed the Czech collection since the communist before the start of the film. Kubisova was one of the most National Anthem and her signa- Czechoslovak government Admission: Adult $9.75 popular Czech pop singers, with ture song, “A Prayer for Marta.” confiscated her entire body of Senior, Student, Military $7 over 200 SP records and one LP, During her concert at the work in 1968.

Czech the News/Vol. 2, 2007 5 Czech Americans

Jaroslav Cervenka – Man of Science and Letters One need not browse too long among the shelves of fiction to see how often medicine and literature coincide. Anton Chekov, Michael Crichton, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Oliver Wendell Holmes, John Keats, W. Somerset Maugham, and William Carlos Williams, among others, all earned medical degrees and produced literary works. Czechs have no shortage of such literary doctors—Vladislav Vancura, Miroslav Holub, Josef Nesvadba, Frantisek Langer. Add to this list the Prague-born, Minneapolis-based Dr. Jaroslav

Photo courtesy of Jaroslav Cervenka Photo courtesy of Jaroslav Cervenka. Jaroslav Cervenka today

Raised in Prague, Cervenka the early morning, I looked out the extensively on five earned a Medical Degree from window of our apartment and saw continents where and a C.Sc. the street clogged, unbelievably, he researched the (Ph.D.) in Human Genetics from by hundreds of Russian tanks. I genetics of cancer, the Czechoslovak Academy of looked at my 3-year-old son Vo- established cyto- Sciences in Prague specializing jta and we decided. We took our genetic laborato- in cytogenetics—the study of Fiat 800, my ski boots, and two ries, and studied the cellular constituents (or friends to emigration, knowing what he describes chromosomes) in heredity. He we would never be able to return. as, “diverse people first came to the United States After we crossed into we and their culture, or in 1965. Although these facts celebrated in a ditch with a few lack of one.” While read fluidly, the reality was shots of Becherovka liquor, too studying the Cholo otherwise. He recalls, “After loudly, maybe, with uncertain Indians in the jun- high school I entered medical smiles and hidden thoughts. Soon gles of Choco (Co- school and before the end of the we were on our way to Belgium lombia), Dr. Cer- first year I was expelled because to stay with friends and apply for venka discovered a Cervenka Photo courtesy of Jaroslav new type of dwarf- Dr. Jaroslav Cervenka and son Vojtech my father refused to contribute U.S. visas.” (See “Ladies of the raft down the Mississippi River to the communist Korean troops Brussels Night” in the collection ism and initiated a during the Korean War and I Revenge of Underwater Man.) National Institutes of Health study to that of athletic performance, was put into forced labor. I was Dr. Cervenka, wife Sasha, that linked a mutation in a growth however, the sane mind in a sane readmitted after a successful and son Vojta remained in Bel- factor gene to a type of dwarf- body—this is not a cheap cliché. appeal to President Zapotocky,” gium for 3 weeks until then-U.S. ism characterized by abnormal Besides, there is an amazing an unlikely event described in Vice President Hubert Hum- development of the limbs. beauty to a human body which “About Fate” from his short story phrey personally intervened and Only 2 of the 50 stories is in good shape and athletic. collection Mal D’Afrique. the Cervenka family was on its that Dr. Cervenka has written And today, we are starting to After medical school, Dr. way back to Minnesota, where (under the pen name Jarda Cer- understand the biochemistry of Cervenka worked for 3 years daughter Tereza was promptly venka) have medical themes. But sanity—flexing muscles during in Czech border towns before born. Dr. Cervenka found a job his trained understanding of the exercise produces an insulin-like being awarded a job at the waiting for him at the Univer- human body, its construction growth factor which crosses the Academy of Sciences in Prague sity of Minnesota, and spent the and deconstruction, are evi- blood-brain barrier and induces a in the Laboratory of Congenital next 35 years there as Professor dent in the precisely-rendered neurothropic protein in the brain, Anomalies and Plastic Surgery, of Medical Genetics in the Medi- protagonists who populate which stimulates division of where he started a cytogenetic cal School, School of Dentistry, his literary works. He admits brain cells. Magic happens: new lab and a genetic counseling and Graduate a fascination neurons arise!” program. He soon realized that School, which for ethnic and If science and literature in- he needed to learn more about he describes as, racial varia- tersect in the sensual overtones modern genetics, “So I applied “the most won- tions and of Dr. Cervenka’s writing, his to several American universities derful years of their beauty stories also reflect a compassion for a stipend,“ he remembers, freedom, being or lack there- that infuses the bedside man- “and accepted a generous offer my own boss, of. He also ner of the best physicians. This from Professor Robert Gorlin surrounded by understands compassion enhances his read- at the University of Minnesota. the friendliest how the sci- ers’ connection to the exotic I came for 2 years as a Visiting people whom ence of the characters he has collected from

Photo courtesy of Jaroslav Cervenka Photo courtesy of Jaroslav his world travels, the way others Professor. It was the most I admired and Dr. Cervenka in Kenya body impacts pleasant and fruitful experience my Ph.D. stu- the health of would collect match books—a for me and, when it was over, I dents who invariably knew more the mind and believes, “that the Cholo girl in the Columbian rain promised to return, crying on the than me.” mind is not much more impor- forest whose small display of hu- way to the airport.” In 1982, Dr. Cervenka tant an asset than the able body man kindness softens the heart Back in Czechoslovakia, po- became one of the first diplomats is, the body without which the of a world-weary scientist, a Zen litical upheaval helped to hasten in clinical cytogenetics from the mind obviously could not exist. Buddhist monk whose lesson on the fulfillment of Dr. Cervenka’s new American Board of Medi- I recognize that the contribution proper meditative posture in the promise to himself and his wife, cal Genetics. He lived in Japan, to the wellbeing of mankind by privacy of a Japanese monastery Sasha. “On August 21, 1968, in Kenya, and Nigeria and traveled a creative mind is much superior challenges the comfort zone of

6 Czech the News/Vol. 2, 2007 Czech Americans

times of multicultural of Underwater Man and Mal sensitivity, political D’Afrique have been translat- correctness, and ed into Czech and published imperative religious in Prague by Triton Pub- tolerance—which all lisher. Both are available in deny reality, reason, the United States from most and ‘truth.’ How online book sellers. The far to catch up with Adventures of Missi One, old Albert Camus in his adventure travel book writing freely!” for children, also was

Photo courtesy of Jaroslav Cervenka Photo courtesy of Jaroslav During his published as a bilingual Dr. Cervenka with the Cholos in Colombia award-winning career publication by Triton. in medicine—he was Forthcoming works his western pupil, or a simple- twice awarded the Gregor include two new ton Inuit hunter whose mental Mendel Medal for Scientific collections of stories limitations in no way hinder the Achievements—Dr. Cervenka and a novel. importance of his contributions wrote 2 medical texts, 120 Now retired, to his community. articles, and conducted Dr. Cervenka di- Though his literary research that led to vides his time influences read like a who’s the discovery of a medical between Minnesota, Dr. Cervenka in Colombia who in world literature— condition that is named in his Florida, and Prague and

Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Annie honor. Cervenka’s Syndrome, devotes himself to his fiction, Photo courtesy of Jaroslav Cervenka Proulx, Milan Kundera—one a new type of stunted growth which he writes in English. He influence stands out. of the extremities, established considers himself an Ameri- until the early morning hours. “The first and lasting the standard for identification can writer, but says that his Also interesting are the few, impression from literature for of human chromosomes called Czech heritage is “very important hopefully rare, intellectuals me was reading The Stranger by reverse banding. to me, to my writing, it is part suffering (or enjoying) the most Albert Camus when I was in my His literature also has of my thinking, still.” About unique and paradoxical mix of late teens,” he remembers. “How garnered numerous awards, his Czech compatriots he says, superiority complex combined could Camus write truth and among them the Richard “Czechs are incorrigible with inferiority complex, un- still be published? How could Sullivan Prize for Fiction and atheists, nonconformists, mu- known to me in other populations he reveal that his main character the European Circle Franz sicians, theater lovers, beau- and population isolates.” With thought only about getting laid— Kafka Medal and Award. tiful women and ugly men, that gene pool as inspiration, at the funeral of his mother? How Dr. Cervenka’s two collections drinkers at the ready anytime, it’s a wonder that more Czech far we still have to go in these of short stories, The Revenge and, generally, fun to be with doctors don’t write fiction.

Excerpt from “Salima on the Governor’s Bed”

SHE CAVED in her cheeks and sucked his middle digit, tightly enclosed in her lips. He called them the lips. The scorpion that had stung him in the fingertip was dark brown, so there was a question of whether it was the black species or the brown species, since they both vary in hue. The sting of a black scorpion would result in 2 days of misery and fever and his arm would swell like a Polish sausage. The sting of a brown one would hurt for 3 hours, then not even a swelling. Bad luck either way, just before his long agony of a drive to Lagos. She took his other hand, put it under her blouse on her breast, and smiled at him with her eyes only. She could do that. She could do many such puny things that made him shake his head from side to side. Her breasts were small. He understood it was a matter of fat. There just was not enough adipose tissue in the boondocks of the Igbo-land of eastern Nigeria. All women were like her, except the elephantine wives of the local “big man.” He calculated that, here, the thickness of subcutaneous fat was directly related to the thickness of one’s wallet. The reverse situation was found in his native Baltimore. The thought of Baltimore awoke an image of “shopping Colleen” shopping, and he shivered. “It hurts so much? ” Ngozi asked, releasing his finger from the wet cave of her mouth. “Oh no, sweetheart. ” Jacob forced a smile back. “It just pulsates, as if you got a little electrical charge with each heartbeat.” Jacob contemplated: what to bring her from Lagos? It shouldn’t be a problem; she has nothing, zilch, nada. No jewelry; no clothes really, no books, nothing. He was actually grateful to that miniature lobster with the ugly stingers for these moments. No pain, no gain. He felt a pleasant sensation around his stomach. Yeah, maybe he’d bring her a nice watch, gold-plated and pretty, with a fancy band. No Patek Phillippe, mind you, but a reliable instrument. Or a gold necklace, 14 karat. She would jump 6 feet; she would glow, blush. Well, he wouldn’t see blushing on her dark face, but she’d told him, during their intimate time, that she actually feels blushing. It could be felt, but remains invisible, just like a surge of sympathy or love—invisible on the outside. Ngozi removed his unfortunate digit from her mouth, looked at it, and announced gravely, “You must eat onions.” Pulling out his finger made a cheerful sound, like uncorking a bottle to begin a celebration. They smiled at each other, and she put her face close to his. He rubbed her unprotruding nose with his. “Like Eskimos greeting each other,” he said. “Es-ki-mos?” “Yes, Eskimos. Inuit. These are people living far north, in the land of ice and snow. Very tough.” He felt her nipple rising mightily—but the driver should be here any minute. He removed his hand. “You know how the Inuit call making love, in their language?” “Do I live in a land of ice and snow, to know?” “Well, they call it ‘to laugh with a woman’! How about that! ‘To laugh with a woman.’” She became serious, thinking, then her smile narrowed her eyes. “We have laughed,” she exclaimed. “Jacob, we laughed; we laughed. So it is true!” She jumped up.

Czech the News/Vol. 2, 2007 7 Czech Events Upcoming Czech Events Swing by the Kennedy Center May 16, 19, 21, 24 June 2 for a Foot-Tapping Time! (Philadelphia, PA) (Washington, DC) Ondrej Havelka and The Washington National CSHA Philadelphia presents the Melody Makers Opera presents Jenufa at the the Family Potluck Picinic Kennedy Center Opera House beginning at 1 pm. Contact On June 26, 2007, at (sung in Czech with English CsHeritageAssociation@gmail. 6 pm, Ondrej Havelka and supertitles). The show is directed com for more information. by David Alden and conducted the Melody Makers will June 9−10 perform at the Kennedy by renowned Czech maestro Jiri (Cleveland, OH) Belohlavek. Tickets are on sale Center’s Millennium Stage. The Cleveland District Alliance Photo courtesy of www.melodymakers.cz now. Call (202) 295–2400 or The concert will consist of of Czech Catholics is sponsoring visit www.dc-opera.org. jazz and swing, from old-fashioned blues, New Orleans jazz, a bus trip to St. Anthony Parish in and the hot dance music of the roaring 1920s, to the May 16−19 Chatham, Ontario, Canada. The glorious era of swing. For several years, Havelka sang (Richmond, VA) feast of St. Anthony is January with the group Original Prague Syncopated Orchestra before The National Genealogical 11 and the Moravian-Slovak setting up his own 14-member big band, the Melody Makers, Society holds the 29th Annual settlement in the Chatham area in 1995. NGS Conference in the States. pays tribute to its patron. For

For further information, write to: more information, please contact The group’s repertory includes a broad spectrum of attractive [email protected]. Joseph Kocab at (216) 883– tunes, ranging from Hollywood musicals to both Czech and 4760. American big band top swing numbers. The musicians’ jazzy May 30−June 6 style, combined with their sense of humor and showmanship, make (Anchorage, AK) To submit a listing to Czech the for the band’s enthralling sound and tempo that support soloist Czech/American Alaskan Polka News, please write to czech_ Ondrej Havelka—the group’s singer, speaker, and dancer. Cruise. For more details, visit [email protected]. Due to www.thedumplingnews.com/ spacing limitations, we can not The Melody Makers will sing in English and Czech. alaska.htm. guarantee that listings will be For more information, visit www.melodymakers.cz. placed in the newsletter.

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