Rudolf Battěk: Diary 1989

The 1989 diary entries of Rudolf Battěk, a sociologist, philosopher, politician and former Charter 77 spokesperson, offer a unique view behind the scenes of the Czechoslovak opposition milieu, which in the late 1980s underwent extraordinarily dynamic development. They also provide insights into the specific transformation of the dissent into a political opposition and deliver a lot of information about 1989, the “year of miracles”. Rudolf Battěk was a key figure in the Czechoslovak dissent, whose optimism, principled nature and personal courage were an inspiration to many. The discussion evening will not just offer an opportunity to remember the activities of this born democrat; it will also go over, for instance, the Movement for a Civic Society, preparations for the establishment of the Coordinating Committee of the Czechoslovak Political Opposition and, last but not least, numerous humorous episodes and knife-edge events that Battěk carefully and systematically recorded.

Speakers will include Kamila Bendová, Jana Chržová and Miloš Rejchrt.

Hosted by Jáchym Topol.