Creeping culture
I’ve become so used to this over the years that it came as a surprise to me to be reminded of something typically British that hasn’t yet made an appearance in the Czech Republic, at least not officially. On a short family visit to Britain I got a glimpse of a traditional pantomime on TV, complete with celebrities in absurd roles and ridiculous costumes, cultural in-jokes, sexual innuendo and audience participation.
Ok, for those of you who now think I obviously haven’t stopped drinking since Christmas Eve and don’t know what I’m talking about, I’d better explain: I had one day off and drank only tea!
Operatic origin
No, but the Pantomime, or Panto as it’s familiarly known, is a family-oriented tradition around Christmas and New Year. It dates back to the mid 19th century in its present form, but much earlier in its original role as a light entré for opera performances, originating from such influences as the Italian Commedia dell’arte. The Panto of today combines a traditional fairy story, such as Cinderella, with popular cultural and political references, slapstick comedy, cross-dressing and slightly rude jokes. It’s a popular distraction for bus-loads of schoolkids impatient for Christmas, or still high on sweets and chocs half way through January. Panto is probably one of the few things that keep theatres alive in Britain these days, a bit like musicals in the Czech Rep. Every year, to attract audiences, the promoters seem to compete to see who can persuade the most unlikely celebrities to take part, so you end up with sportsmen like Jaromír Jágr playing princes, or soap-opera heroes like Ozák as Robin Hood, while Karel Gott plays an evil villain (all the kids go boo!).
Who wears the trousers?
Another weird thing is that you get men dressed as women and women dressed as men. British popular culture has long since accepted gay and lesbian humour, so what was once alternative comedy is now practically mainstream. So you might have a woman playing the leading male role, the principal boy, although nowadays this is very often a man, to add more romantic and comic effect, while the boy’s mother is played by a male actor in “drag” (dressed as a woman). This character is something like what’s known as “travesti” in CZ. Depending on the story there might also be a Good Fairy, or Fairy Godmother, who helps to ensure a happy ending. This can also be a role for a bloke, and even a non-actor like Jágr for comic effect, as it’s usually a minor role.
Czech potential
So maybe it’s time for the Czech Republic to adopt yet another western tradition. Think of all the over-exposed and burnt-out TV personalities who could take a break from the usual Christmas variety shows, panel games and chat shows, and take to the Panto stage instead. Jaromír Jágr and his colleagues wouldn’t have to go to America for the NHL, they could get parts in Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty. Leading politicians could raise their popularity ratings significantly with a carefully chosen appearance as a good fairy, waving a magic fiscal wand. Even Karel Gott would be able to improve on his celebrity status, breaking new ground and winning new fans in the youngest age-group as he gained notoriety as the nasty black-cloaked villain with the memorable catchphrase “Go on, boo, I love it when people boo!”