Koločava

The production was based on Ivan Olbracht's novel Nikola Šuhaj loupežník (Nikola Šuhaj the Robber). The music draws on Petr Ulrych's famous LP, which was released in 1974, won the Bílá vrána (White Crow) award from Mladý svět magazine, and subsequently inspired a production at Prague's Divadlo Ateliér theater. Among other things, the band Javory was formed on this occasion. The expanded band Javory also plays and sings in the 2002 production of the Brno City Theater, and additional musical numbers were created for it. Of the 25 numbers, more than half are new to the performance. Petr Ulrych won the A. Radok Award for his music. Director and author of the theatrical adaptation Stanislav Moša incorporated film footage into the production, which works wonderfully as a reminiscence of natural beauty. Also worth mentioning is the impressive choreography of the police and bandit choirs and the excellent acting and singing performances, led by Petr Štěpán in the lead role.

Directed by Stanislav Moša, Rudolf Tesáček, Koločava leans on a strong ensemble — Petr Štěpán, Markéta Sedláčková, Erik Pardus — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 2002.