For two decades, the town of Tábor and its surrounding region in South Bohemia have observed a unique Easter tradition: the staging of the Rocková opera Jesus Christ Superstar. While the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice classic is known globally for its provocative retelling of the final days of Christ, the local production has evolved into something far more intimate—a community anchor used to navigate collective grief and provide tangible hope for the region’s most vulnerable.
This year’s performance transcended the boundaries of a seasonal musical. The production served a dual purpose, acting as both a fundraiser for a young boy’s medical journey and a poignant tribute to a fallen member of the musical community. In a region where the arts are deeply intertwined with civic duty, the event underscored how a piece of theatrical history can be repurposed to meet immediate, human needs.
The emotional center of the evening was the effort to support Edrian Pechuškovský, a young boy from Tábor. Edrian, who appeared on stage with his parents and sister, is currently undergoing intensive rehabilitation to assist him in learning to walk. The organizers set an ambitious fundraising goal of 150,000 CZK to cover the costs of these essential therapies, utilizing the concert’s ticket sales and a supplementary art exhibition to reach the target.
A Community Effort for Rehabilitation
The fundraising effort extended beyond the music, involving a cross-section of local leadership and education. An exhibition of artwork created by children from schools across the Tábor region was held in the hall, with each piece sold for 100 CZK, with all proceeds flowing into a collection box for Edrian.
The collaboration highlighted a network of local support. Martina Smětáková, a Tábor city councilor and director of the senior home in Bechyně, noted the strength of the family’s resilience, specifically praising Edrian’s mother, who manages the kitchen at the Bechyně facility. The initiative also saw participation from Jaroslav Novák, director of the Husova Primary School in Tábor and Hanka Kášková, director of the school in Čekanice, both of whom volunteered their time to manage the art sales.
Honoring a Lost Beat
While the event looked forward toward Edrian’s recovery, it also looked back in mourning. The production was cast under a shadow of loss following the sudden death of drummer Borek Kolibík. His absence was felt deeply by the cast and crew, yet his presence remained a guiding force for the performance.
The challenge of filling Kolibík’s seat was met with a swift, collaborative response. Matěj Novák and Petr Baláš—a teacher at the Sezimovoústecká Elementary Art School (ZUŠ) and a former member of the project from 2009 to 2013—stepped in to share the drumming duties. The transition was more than a technical necessity; it was a tribute to Kolibík’s legacy within the Jesus Christ Superstar community in Tábor.
Štěpán Pavlík, who portrayed Judas, acknowledged the difficulty of the loss but noted the seamless integration of the new percussionists. Matěj Novák is expected to remain a permanent fixture of the Tábor Superstar Band moving forward.
The Artistic Evolution of a Tradition
The production continues to draw audiences year after year due to its high production value and the consistent quality of its local talent. The core roles were anchored by Josef Dušek as Jesus and Štěpán Pavlík as Judas, with Eliška Pekárková continuing her role as Mary Magdalene.
The performance has grown in complexity over the last twenty years, most notably with the addition of the Coda dance group from Sezimovoústecká, featuring choreography by Markéta Švecová. This integration of professional dance has transformed the local show into a unique regional spectacle that blends rock music with synchronized visual storytelling.
The musical ensemble was supported by a robust band including guitarists Miroslav Břicháček, Dominik Hloušek, and Václav Pelouch, with Josef Filip on piano. The brass section—composed of Jakub Valeš, Štěpán Tůma, and Ladislav Novotný—added the necessary sonic weight to the rock opera’s demanding score, while Luboš Kocourek managed the sound and Tomáš Trnka handled the lighting effects.
New Voices and the Porta Influence
Before the main opera began, the stage was warmed by Cihelna & spol., a folk-rock band from Plánsk. Their appearance served as a showcase for a new generation of South Bohemian talent. The group recently emerged as the winner of the South Bohemian round of Porta, the Czech Republic’s most prestigious folk and country music festival.
Mark Marek Mác Cihlář, the band’s leader, guitarist, and singer, commented on the evolving nature of the Porta festival, noting that it has moved beyond its strict roots in “tramping” songs and traditional folk to embrace a broader, more energetic sound. This shift is reflected in the composition of Cihelna & spol., which features Anna Hájíčková on violin and vocals, and Magdaléna Cihlářová on piano and vocals.
The connection between the opening act and the main event was literal: Dominik Hloušek and Matěj Novák, both members of Cihelna & spol., transitioned directly from their folk-rock set to join the Tábor Superstar Band for the opera.
The evening concluded with a series of encores featuring the most famous hits from the legendary opera, leaving the audience with a sense of closure and community strength.
The production is now preparing for its next confirmed appearance in Přibyslav, where the ensemble will once again bring the story of the rock opera to a new audience.
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