As Czech theater stages prepare for a major autumn revival of Zdeněk Jirotka’s classic 1942 humorous novel Saturnin, actor Zbigniew Kalina is stepping into the iconic title role at the Hybernia Theatre. Blending a rich career across regional stages with his Silesian heritage, Kalina is navigating the high-wire act of theatrical comedy while offering a fresh perspective on a beloved literary icon.
The Bottom Line
- The Production: Zbigniew Kalina shares the role of Saturnin with Jakub Tvrdík in a new theatrical adaptation directed by Tomáš Dianiška at the Hybernia Theatre, featuring original music by Roman Říčař.
- The Heritage: Kalina draws heavily on his upbringing in Těšín Silesia, attending Polish-language schools and maintaining strong cultural ties to Poland, including a fondness for traditional Polish pączki.
- The Realities of the Stage: Reflecting on life as a freelance actor, Kalina speaks candidly about the industry-wide pressures of unpaid rehearsal periods and the constant performance anxieties unique to Czech theater.
Stepping Into the Shoes of a Literary Legend
For Zbigniew Kalina, tackling the role required a deeper dive than his initial teenage read during high school.
Oldřich Vízner’s unforgettable portrayal in the classic film adaptation remains the gold standard for generations of fans. “Olda Vízner was and is just one,” Kalina notes, recalling their shared time in the ensemble at the ABC Theatre. Rather than attempting a carbon copy, the current staging relies on Dianiška’s guidance, balancing precise script work with the freedom for actors to explore physical comedy and playful staging organically.
The production also leans heavily into musical elements composed by Roman Říčař. According to Kalina, hearing the cast tackle the musical numbers live during early rehearsals elicited genuine chills, turning a classic literary farce into a vibrant, multi-layered theatrical experience.
Silesian Roots and Cultural Bridges
Off the stage, Kalina’s identity is deeply rooted in Těšín Silesia. Raised in Orlová, he attended regional schools where instruction—aside from Czech language classes—was conducted in Polish. At home, his family communicated in a distinct local dialect: a dense linguistic mesh blending Polish, Czech, German, and Yiddish elements.
This cross-border fluency extends naturally into his professional life, where his mastery of Polish aids him in voiceover work and commercial studio narrations for Polish firms. It also informs his appreciation for neighboring cultural phenomena, such as the late cabaret icon Joanna Kołaczkowska, whom Kalina describes as a master of absurd humor and a unifying artistic force.
That regional identity also shaped his connection to recent literary hits, including narrating the third installment of Karin Lednická’s acclaimed historical trilogy Šikmý kostel alongside colleague Gábina Mikulková. Under the direction of Radovan Lipus, the grueling audio project required intense home preparation to accurately capture the complex socio-political history of a region scarred by shifting national borders and mutual nationalisms.
The Freelance Reality: Navigating the “Colors of Stress”
While mainstream audiences might recognize Kalina from occasional screen appearances—such as his role as a Polish priest and exorcist in the comedy film Tři Tygři ve filmu: JACKPOT—his professional heart firmly belongs to the stage. Having transitioned from regional engagements in Český Těšín, Karlovy Vary, and Příbram to Prague’s municipal stages, Kalina now embraces the precarious freedom of working as a freelance actor.
That freedom, however, comes with systemic challenges built into the Czech theatrical ecosystem. “When you’re not stressed by a lack of work, it’s the abundance of it,” Kalina explains, pointing to the persistent industry standard where actors frequently rehearse for months without financial compensation—a professional hurdle that places immense strain on performers navigating the unpredictable freelance market.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Production | Saturnin adaptation at Hybernia Theatre |
| Creative Team | Directed by Tomáš Dianiška; Music by Roman Říčař |
| Cast Alternation | Zbigniew Kalina and Jakub Tvrdík |
| Regional Background | Těšín Silesia (Orlová / Karviná) |
Despite the high-stakes environment of unpaid rehearsal cycles and performance anxiety, Kalina remains anchored by his love for live theater. As previews for Saturnin ramp up and audiences anticipate theatrical highlights like the infamous doughnut battle, the actor continues to find stability in the unpredictable rhythm of stage performance.
