Biography:

Martin Ťapák (* 13 October 1926, Liesek - † 1 February 2015, Bratislava) was a Slovak film director, actor, dancer and choreographer. Father of actor Marek Ťapák. He studied at the Bratislava Conservatory. In 1956 he graduated in choreography at the Academy of Performing Arts. In the years 1945 - 1950, an actor and assistant director of the SND drama. In the years 1950 - 1958 choreographer and director of SĽUK, in the years 1959 - 1961 Laterna magika in Prague and since 1961 director of Slovak film in Bratislava. After acting in theater and film, he became a director. He began directing independently on television with short folklore films. His focus was on folk traditions. In 1969 he was awarded the title of Merited Artist and in 1988 the title of National Artist.