Pavol Országh Hviezdoslav in Slovak theatre

Pavol Országh became known as a writer under the name Pavol Országh Hviezdoslav. He chose the name “Hviezdoslav” (which means “the one who celebrates the stars”) because he had always been fascinated by the night sky and the stars in it. In one of his poems, he referred to himself as an admirer of night lights. He started signing his name as Pavol Országh Hviezdoslav in 1877. During his life, he also used many other pseudonyms (H.; Hviezdoslav; P. O.; Son of the People). 

The theatre play Herodes and Herodias was staged by the Slovak National Theatre several times – the first production premiered in 1925, on the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the establishment of the first Slovak theatre scene.

Directorial approach of Václav Jiřikovský caught the attention of the public and became a success. The production was well rehearsed and meticulously staged.  The premiere was attended by many eminent personalities, including Hviezdoslav’s widow Ilona Országh. 

Herodes and Herodias relies on a Biblical theme and makes use of pathos enhanced by Hviezdoslav’s verse. The production itself used a great deal of opulent costumes and the stage was dominated by a monumental set – both designed by Ľudovít Hradský, who is now considered to be the first Slovak stage designer.

So far, Hviezdoslav’s play Herodes and Herodias has been produced nine times – in Bratislava, Košice, Martin, and Nitra. Three productions were directed by Ján Borodáč (1892 – 1964), the eminent member of the founding generation of the Slovak National Theatre.

In 1955, a new staging of Herodes and Herodias by director Ján Borodáč was the opening production of a new stage space of the Slovak National Theatre – named after Pavol Országh Hviezdoslav.

Eminent artist Ladislav Vychodil became the stage designer for the opening production.

Vychodil’s stage design contained realistic features of the period in which the story takes place. There were massive columns, staircases, oriental and antique props and details in the form of various ornaments. 

The production was unique in many respects. It also commemorated the 35th anniversary of the establishment of the National Theatre and the 10th anniversary of the liberation of the country. 
Nevertheless, it lasted 4.5 hours – but the critics did not consider this a problem because of the high-quality staging.

The production of The Blood Sonnets – Rachel premiered of 7 September 1968 and enjoyed a total of fifteen repeat performances.
The costume design was created by Helena Bezáková.

The most recent production of Herodes and Herodias was staged in 2009 by the Slovak National Theatre. Director Roman Polák and his creative team – dramaturg Martin Porubjak and poet Ľubomír Feldek – tried to minimize the aspect of reverence and national promotion feel the play had gradually acquired in the numerous stagings in Slovakia.

Pavol Borák created a stage design that was no longer monumental, or with stone stairs, but that used a staircase filled with books – as a literal attribute of Hviezdoslav’s drama, which is considered to be more literary than dramatic.
Costume artist Peter Čanecký combined the elements of quality period materials and their colourfulness with modern clothing.