DistantNews
Support us
Šibenik Drama Studio Premieres 'The Lost,' Exploring War Through Improvised Theater
🇭🇷 Croatia /Culture & Society

Šibenik Drama Studio Premieres 'The Lost,' Exploring War Through Improvised Theater

From Večernji List · () Croatian

Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified New plan
  • A theater group in Šibenik, Croatia, is preparing to premiere a new play titled "Izgubljeni" (The Lost).
  • The play, developed through improvisation, explores themes of war and its impact on young people, with 31 students on stage.
  • The theater's director, Oriana Kunčić, emphasizes the pedagogical value of their process, fostering dialogue and critical thinking among students.

In Šibenik, Croatia, the "Ivana Jelić" Drama Studio at the Croatian National Theatre is set to unveil its latest production, "Izgubljeni" (The Lost). The play, a new challenge for the ensemble after their impactful "Djeca raja" (Children of Paradise), premieres on June 6th.

When you have a finished text, you immediately have to divide the roles, and others get what's left.

— Oriana KunčićExplaining her pedagogical approach to developing plays through improvisation rather than using pre-existing scripts.

The narrative begins with the young actors rehearsing the musical "Hair," only for a war to erupt amidst their preparations. This dramatic turn reflects the studio's unique approach to theater creation. Director Oriana Kunčić explains that their projects are born from improvisation on a chosen theme, a method she employs for pedagogical reasons. "When you have a finished text, you immediately have to divide the roles, and others get what's left," she stated, highlighting her commitment to providing equal opportunities for all 31 students involved.

Kunčić, who has led the studio for eight years, emphasizes that while she jokingly tells her students there's no democracy in theater, their input is crucial. "I always question them about the theme itself," she said. "Through conversation and joint reflection, I try to teach them dialogue and critical thinking, but the final decision rests with me." This collaborative yet guided process aims to foster critical thinking and dialogue among the young performers.

I always question them about the theme itself. Through conversation and joint reflection, I try to teach them dialogue and critical thinking, but the final decision rests with me.

— Oriana KunčićDescribing the collaborative process of theme selection and development with her young actors.

The production itself is technically demanding, featuring numerous projections. "My colleagues say it is, and we have very little time left," Kunčić noted. "Everything must be performed very precisely to fully achieve the magic of the play." Despite the demanding schedule and technical complexity, the studio's dedication to creating meaningful and impactful theater remains evident.

My colleagues say it is, and we have very little time left. Everything must be performed very precisely to fully achieve the magic of the play.

— Oriana KunčićDiscussing the technical demands and tight schedule for the new play 'Izgubljeni'.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Večernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog