Zagreb's National Theatre launches European theatre cycle HNK2EU

The National Theatre in Zagreb is set to launch an ambitious new European theatre cycle, HNK2EU, beginning this September. This initiative aims to provide Zagreb's audiences with a comprehensive look at significant recent productions from across the European theatre landscape.

Intendant Iva Hraste Sočo highlighted international collaboration as a key strategic focus for her second term. "HNK2EU – a cycle of European theatre in Zagreb, so that our audience can gain insight into performances that have marked recent European theatre production," she stated. The cycle will feature a diverse range of plays from partner theaters, fostering regular exchange and enhancing the National Theatre's international reputation.

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In the upcoming season, which is also the beginning of my second tenure as intendant, one of the strategic directions is international cooperation. On that track, we launched HNK2EU – a cycle of European theatre in Zagreb, so that our audience can gain insight into performances that have marked recent European theatre production.

The opening performance on September 4th will be by Bulgaria's Ivan Vazov National Theatre, presenting George Bernard Shaw's "Arms and the Man" directed by John Malkovich. This production, a reinterpretation of Shaw's anti-war comedy, is seen by Malkovich as a contemporary commentary on a world where conflict is normalized. Another anticipated highlight is a performance by the renowned Berliner Ensemble of Tena Štivičić's award-winning play "Refugees."

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Shaw's anti-war comedy, created during the Serbian-Bulgarian war, Malkovich reads as a contemporary story about a world in which wars have become commonplace, and heroism has given way to destruction, dehumanization, and loss of humanity.