Romeo, Juliet and Darkness

Director: Karel Smyczek

The new television adaptation of Jan Otčenášek's famous novella of the same name tells the story of the love between a teenage boy and a Jewish girl in the midst of war during the Heydrich terror. Ester seeks refuge, which Vojta provides her with, knowing the risk to his life. From this moment on, the situation of the protagonists of the story becomes a kind of existential island where fundamental human values—love, death, loyalty, and betrayal—are tested. This experience marks the main character of the story for life. This intimate drama, directed by Karel Smyczek with remarkable artistic means, is effective in its urgency and has timeless validity. The screenplay is the work of experienced author Petr Zikmund.