The 26th season of the Ulysses Theatre has officially kicked off with the announcement of its central event—the premiere of the play Na čijoj strani (On Whose Side) by British playwright Ronald Harwood. The production will take place on July 31 at the Small Brijuni Island venue, following which multiple performances will be scheduled throughout August. Directed by Lenka Udovički, the play features Svetozar Cvetković and Ozren Grabarić in leading roles. This drama delves into the process of denazification involving Wilhelm Furtwängler, the renowned conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic, raising questions about neutrality, collaboration, and the moral responsibilities of artists during totalitarian regimes. Harwood’s work explores whether art can remain apolitical and whether true neutrality is even possible.
This year's season also includes a significant revival of King Lear, a play that marked the beginning of the Ulysses Theatre’s operations in 2001. Rade Šerbedžija will once again portray the title role, a part he has performed over a hundred times on the Minor Fortress at Small Brijuni. This performance marks his final appearance as Lear, a role he considers one of the most cherished and demanding of his career. The play continues to attract large audiences, with tens of thousands having witnessed Šerbedžija’s portrayal over the past 25 years. The production will continue beyond this season, maintaining its presence in the cultural memory of Croatia.
The season opens on July 11 with the play Dvi daske / Putovanje kroz dušu (Two Boards / Journey Through the Soul) by Mate Balote, staged by Max Theatre at the Ethnographic Museum on Large Brijuni. Following this, successful productions such as Zijah Sokolović’s Left Right Actor and Actor... Is an Actor... Is an Actor will be presented. In response to public interest, the Ulysses Theatre will stage two performances of Antigone – 2000 Years Later, directed by Lenka Udovički, at the small Roman theatre in Pula.
Other notable productions include Mother by Collective Players and Rajna Racz, previously staged successfully on the Brijuni Islands last year. Additionally, the award-winning play Human Voice by Jean Cocteau, produced by INK Pula and performed by Diana Vudušin, will be featured. A monologue titled I, Actress by Darja Lorenci Flatz will also be included in the lineup. Jelena Graovac Lučev and Leon Lučev will perform in Buried Wonder, directed by Nina Violić. As part of the traditional regional network RUTA, the theatre will host visiting troupes from Montenegro, Slovenia, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia.
The summer season also brings a rich musical programme. Concerts will be held by Damir Urban, whose performance has already sold out, along with Darko Rundek, Vlado Kreslin, Pips, Chips & Videoclips, Rade Šerbedžija, and Western Kolodvor. The season will conclude on August 29 with a trio concert by Vlatko Stefanovski at the Small Brijuni venue. These diverse offerings aim to provide a comprehensive cultural experience, drawing upon both theatrical and musical traditions to engage audiences throughout the summer months.
2 reports
Novi listIndependentCenterFactual 97Objective 9921 days agoThe article announces the premiere of the play 'Na čijoj strani' (On Which Side) by British playwright Ronald Harwood, directed by Lenka Udovički, with Svetozar Cvetković and Ozren Grabarić in leading roles. The play explores themes of denazification, neutrality, collaboration, and the moral responsibility of artists during totalitarian regimes, focusing on Wilhelm Furtwängler, a renowned conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic. The premiere is scheduled for July 31 at the Small Brijun Theater, followed by additional performances in August. Additionally, the article mentions that Shakespeare’s 'K
Bias read (Center): The article provides factual information about a theatrical production without taking a political stance or showing bias. It focuses on cultural events and does not involve political controversy.
Why these scores (Factual 97 · Objective 99): This article confirms the same details as the first article regarding the premiere of 'Na čijoj strani', its director, cast, and themes. Additional context is given about Ronald Harwood’s other works and Rade Šerbedžija’s role in 'Kralj Lear'. All information matches the cross-source consensus and i
Jutarnji listIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 9820 days agoThe article discusses the upcoming season of the Ulysses Theatre, highlighting the premiere of Ronald Harwood's play 'On Which Side' directed by Lenka Udovički. The play explores themes of denazification, neutrality, collaboration, and the moral responsibility of artists during totalitarian regimes, focusing on the life of conductor Wilhelm Furtwängler. It also mentions other plays in the season, including performances at the Small Brijuni venue and the Roman theatre in Pula.
Bias read (Center): The article provides factual information about an upcoming theatrical season and does not present any political commentary, bias, or framing that leans toward a particular ideological perspective. It focuses on cultural events without involving political controversy or partisan language.
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 98): The article provides detailed information about the 26th season of Ulysses Theatre including the play 'Na čijoj strani' by Ronald Harwood, its director Lenka Udovički, actors Svetozar Cvetković and Ozren Grabarić, and the premiere date of July 31. It also mentions the themes of the play and other pe
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