František Laurin, Czech theatre director, dies at 91; funeral draws peers

František Laurin, a prominent Czech theatre director and former head of the Divadlo na Vinohradech, died on 31 July at the age of 91. He passed away in Prague’s Na Homolce Hospital where he had been treated for heart problems.

Laurin’s career spanned directing at the National Theatre, leading the Východočeské divadlo in Pardubice, and teaching acting at DAMU and the Prague Conservatory. He was also known as the father of actress Sabina Laurinová.

A funeral service was held on 6 August in the Chapel of St Wenceslas at the Vinohrady cemetery. Colleagues and friends, including actors Petr Kostka, Jaroslav Satoranský, Martin Donutil, and Jarmila Hybšová, attended to pay their respects.