“Anežka” Mini-Series to Illuminate Untold Story of Přemysl princess
A new two-part historical drama, “anežka,” promises to shed light on the life of a previously underrepresented figure from Czech history – a Přemysl princess navigating the complex world of medieval power and politics. The series, a Czech-Slovak-German-Polish co-production, is set to film across a number of historically significant locations, including Prague’s St. Anne’s Monastery, Cheb Castle, Třebíč Basilica, and Lipnice and Zvíkov Castles.
The mini-series aims to move beyond conventional portrayals of historical women, presenting a nuanced character study of a princess who defied expectations. According to a creative producer from Czech Television, Tereza polachová, “Anežka is a two-part historical mini-series that for the first time brings to light the fate of a Přemysl princess born into power games and marriage politics – and at the same time a woman who was able to defy her destiny and become a visionary of her time.”
The production boasts an award-winning team, with Iva Lenka Wimmerová, a recipient of the prestigious Czech Lion award, directing the series based on a script penned by Tereza Brdečková. “Anežka” is being created by Czech Television in collaboration with production companies from Slovakia, Germany, and Poland, demonstrating a significant investment in bringing this story to an international audience. The series will explore Agnes’s life, focusing on her resistance to being used as a political pawn in arranged marriages and her eventual path toward a life of faith and service.
The narrative intends to challenge conventional understandings of Agnes’s legacy. While frequently enough remembered as a patron saint,healer,and founder of religious orders,the series will explore a more complex and human portrayal. As the scriptwriter explained, “The legend says that Agnes was a patroness, a healer, the founder of orders. But our Agnes is much more: a strong and wise woman who refused to be a royal commodity for sale. She went through a tough life experience and learned what really matters: self-respect, God’s and human love and cohesion.”
Agnes of Bohemia, born around 1211, was the daughter of King Přemysl Otakar I. Her story unfolds against a backdrop of intense political maneuvering, as her father sought to secure alliances through marriage. Agnes, however, repeatedly refused politically beneficial matches, ultimately choosing to dedicate her life to religious service. She founded the Order of the Poor Ladies (later the Order of St. Clare) and became a revered figure known for her charitable work and piety.The series will depict the pressures she faced from her family and the court, as well as the internal struggles that led her to reject a life of royal privilege.
The series promises a compelling exploration of themes of self-determination, faith, and the challenges faced by women in positions of power during the medieval period. “anežka” is poised to offer a fresh perspective on a pivotal figure in Czech history, moving beyond myth to reveal a woman of strength and resilience. Agnes died in 1282 and was canonized as Saint Agnes of Bohemia in 1989. Her legacy continues to inspire, and this mini-series aims to introduce her complex story to a wider audience.
