In the Footsteps of Jára Cimrman: 20 Places in Czechia Touched by the Legendary Genius

The Jára Cimrman Theatre in Czechia is about to turn 60 — the fictional universal genius, dreamed up by Jiří Šebánek and Zdeněk Svěrák, has long become an iconic figure of Czech culture and was even voted "The Greatest Czech" in a national poll.

The first official Cimrman play, "The Act," premiered on 4 October 1967 at Prague's Malostranská beseda café. The earliest ideas and radio programmes about this fictional unrecognised genius, however, date back to the autumn of 1966.

Over nearly six decades of existence, this playful cultural phenomenon has acquired its own "biography": according to legend, Cimrman travelled across every corner of Czechia, leaving behind supposed inventions, traces of his activities, and countless tall tales. Today, around twenty places across the country are linked to the character in one way or another — spots where, according to the plays' mock mythology, "his foot once trod, his hand once toiled, or his spirit once lingered."

Devoted fans of Šebánek and Svěrák's work — known as Cimrmanologists — have spent years memorising quotes and plotlines from the plays and films about the genius. For newcomers just discovering this one-of-a-kind comedic universe, touring the sites associated with Cimrman offers an unexpected way to explore both the history and humour of Czech culture at once.

Source: kudyznudy.cz