Important play about peer violence strongly resonated in Rijeka. Here's when it's scheduled again

Rijeka's HNK Ivan pl. Zajc theatre has staged a powerful new production, "Ovo bi mogao biti moj razred" ("This Could Be My Class"), which tackles the pervasive issue of peer violence, particularly in the context of the digital age. The premiere performance left the audience deeply moved, culminating in a prolonged standing ovation that recognized the artistic and acting achievements of the cast and creative team. The play, a collaborative effort between the Croatian Drama and the Academy of Applied Arts at the University of Rijeka, delves into the lives of high school students navigating the complexities of social media, peer pressure, and the often-blurred lines between online pranks and real-world harm.

Directed by Anica Tomić with a script by Jelena Kovačić, the play moves beyond a simple depiction of teenage bullying. It aims to provoke a broader societal reflection, as Tomić noted before the premiere, emphasizing that the issue extends beyond adolescents. The production highlights how the entire social system often fails to recognize the severity of violence, and how victims frequently remain silent due to shame and fear of rejection. The narrative centers on a group of seemingly carefree high schoolers whose lives, intertwined with classrooms, clubs, and social networks, take a dark turn when a video intended as a prank escalates into serious violence with tragic consequences, spilling over from the virtual realm into reality.

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The play does not talk about peer violence as an isolated phenomenon or only about teenagers, nor does it address only them, but about the entire social system that does not recognize violence, and victims mostly do not report it due to shame and fear of rejection.

Prior to the premiere, a panel discussion titled "Behind the Scenes: Peer Violence as a Social Problem" was held, featuring prominent figures including the theatre's director Dubravka Vrgoč, Mayor of Rijeka Iva Rinčić, and Deputy Prefect Robert Matić, alongside representatives from relevant associations, experts, and high school students. This forum facilitated open dialogue about violence in schools and the challenges of modern adolescence in both physical and digital spaces. The play's run is part of the wider commemoration of Europe Day in Rijeka, underscoring the relevance of these issues across the continent. "This Could Be My Class" is scheduled for additional performances on May 9, 11, 12, 13, 19, and 27, offering continued opportunities for audiences to engage with this critical social commentary.

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The audience was deeply moved after the last scene and remained silent for a few moments, after which there was strong applause that turned into a standing ovation.