(1862-1946)
Gabriela Preissová, writer and playwright, proponent of literary realism, author of theatre plays set in the rural South-East of Czechia, reflecting the morality of her time. As a woman, she established herself among predominantly male authors and became a literary manager at the National Theatre. Her plays, drawing on the experience of her youth, are performed until today. Some served as opera libretto: Eva by J.B. Foerster is based on one and Jenůfa, the most famous opera by Leoš Janáček, uses another script by Preissová. Although the opera is staged in the world’s major theatres, the play in its time divided the audience and aroused strong reactions. The author took the criticism hard and has since focused on writing popular books for women that have sold well but remained out of the limelight.