"I encountered theatre during the Second World War, when stage and audience mutually understood spoken and gestural signs of resistance" - Svoboda (121)
Josef Svoboda (1920-2002), was a Czech scenographer who designed hundreds of stage productions in Europe and the United States during his 50+ year career. Svoboda grew up through WWII and postwar Europe, where he became fascinated with the history and structure of art.
Svoboda was one of the most iconic designers of the 20th century, known for his innovation and experimental designs. A trained architect, Svoboda utilized nontraditional 
structure and technology in the theatre, with designs ranging from ornate traditional scenic
designs to geometric minimalism to a design entirely dependent upon shadow. During his career, he was technical director and chief set designer for the National Theatre in Prague, as well as the co-founder of Laterna Magika.
Svoboda, a technical pioneer of theatre scenic design, is emblematic of postwar art in the machine age.
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Svoboda, Josef. The Secret of Theatrical Space: The Memoirs of Josef Svoboda. Trans. Jarka Burian. New York, NY: Applause Theatre, 1993. 129. Print.
Martin, Douglas. "Josef Svoboda, 81, Stage Designer for Hundreds of Productions."New York Times (1923-Current file): 1. Apr 22 2002. ProQuest. Web. 18 May 2016.