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Teatar Ulysses' 'King Lear' Triumphs with Stellar Cast and Island Setting

Teatar Ulysses' 'King Lear' Triumphs with Stellar Cast and Island Setting

From Večernji List · () Croatian

Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The Teatar Ulysses production of Shakespeare's 'King Lear,' starring Rade Šerbedžija, has been staged on Mali Brijun island.
  • The play, which explores themes of family and societal breakdown, has been a significant cultural event for the past 25 years.
  • Audiences travel by boat to reach the performance venue, adding a unique element to the theatrical experience.

The Teatar Ulysses production of Shakespeare's "King Lear," a cornerstone of Croatian theater for a quarter-century, continues to captivate audiences on the island of Mali Brijun. Starring the acclaimed Rade Šerbedžija, the play delves into the disintegration of family, friendships, and community, resonating deeply with its themes of betrayal and loss.

Šerbedžija's return to his native Croatian language and homeland for this role has been particularly poignant, symbolizing a reconnection with his roots and a mending of broken ties. The performance itself is set against the evocative natural backdrop of the island, with the audience arriving by boat from Fažana, transforming the journey into an integral part of the theatrical experience.

Theater critic, theatrologist, and professor Nataša Govedić has documented the cultural significance and impact of this iconic production in her book "Learovanje." The play's enduring appeal lies not only in its powerful performances but also in its ability to evoke a sense of shared experience and reflection, amplified by its unique island setting.

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