Zagreb Theatre Premieres 'Othello' Ballet, Exploring Manipulation and Power

The Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb is preparing to stage its final premiere of the 2025/2026 season: a new ballet adaptation of Shakespeare's "Othello." Set to debut on Friday, June 26, the production promises a dark and intense exploration of the tragedy.

Choreographer, director, and dramaturg Valentina Turcu described "Othello" as a "world according to Iago," a space defined by manipulation, violence, insecurity, and the abuse of power. She emphasized that this is a political drama, distinct from lighter works like "Romeo and Juliet" or "A Midsummer Night's Dream," requiring a structured and serious approach.

Turcu praised the Zagreb ballet ensemble, calling their work "extraordinary" and a "gift." She noted that the energy within the Croatian National Theatre is rare globally, with only a few European ensembles capable of handling such a demanding and diverse repertoire. She also congratulated the theatre's director, Iva Hraste Sočo, on the institution's rapid growth and clear vision over the past four seasons.

The creative process focused on deep emotional immersion in the characters and dramatic situations. Turcu's method highlights authenticity and intensity in performance. "Iago is not just an evil man; he has an incredible ability to influence and manipulate people," said Takuya Sumitomo, one of the lead dancers. "It's very interesting to me that while I'm on stage in this performance, I feel like I'm living a real life, because manipulation and false truths are actually what is happening in our world today."