Czech true‑crime series praised for casting; American play “Zabiják Joe” adapted for radio

A review of five recent Czech true‑crime series highlights the detailed casting work that brings real criminals and investigators to life. Actress Tereza Ramba slimmed down and cut her signature fringe to resemble Simona Monyová, while Maxmilián Kocek captured the youthful look of murderer Jiří Straka. Petr Uhlík portrays detective Ladislav Hojer in “Metoda Markovič,” David Švehlík embodies Stanislav Jelínek in “Studna,” and Oskar Hes conveys the spirit of post‑war outlaw Josef Hasila in “Král Šumavy.”

Separately, Tracy Letts’s black‑comedy play “Zabiják Joe” is discussed, noting its 1991 debut, mixed critical reception, and later influence on European theatre. In 2016 a Czech radio adaptation aired on Vltava, directed by Natália Deáková and starring Martin Finger, Petra Špalková, Leoš Noha, Ondřej Rychlý, and Šárka Vaculíková, bringing the American cult drama to Czech listeners.