The conference began with the signing of a new sponsorship agreement between the Croatian National Theatre in Split and OTP Bank, longtime main sponsor of the theatre and festival. “For OTP Bank, this partnership is not just about sponsorship but a symbol of our long-term commitment to cultural life and the community we belong to. The Split Summer Festival and the Croatian National Theatre in Split have been an integral part of the city’s identity for decades, and we are proud to have been part of this story for over 30 years,” stated Zvonimir Akrap, a member of OTP Bank’s Management Board, who, together with the theatre’s general manager and festival director, signed the agreement.
The 71st Split Summer Festival coincides with the 130th anniversary of the birth of two musical giants, Split native Ivo Tijardović and Jakov Gotovac. The theme exploring the idea of leadership and the cult of personality forms the core connecting the two major premieres: Tijardović’s opera Diocletian and Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. Another drama premiere, Fox, based on Dubravka Ugrešić’s novel, examines the role of the writer in contemporary society. The dance program includes two premieres: neo-classical choreography by Denis Matvienko and Maša Kolar’s contemporary dance piece Night of Witches.
The musical program will reach its peak with performances by five major orchestras. This year's Split Summer Festival will also promote a new stage space right in the heart of the ancient city, near the eastern Srebrna vrata of Diocletian’s Palace. Alongside three opera titles, the orchestral program will feature performances by five prominent orchestras.
“The theme of great leaders, which we explore through our two major premieres—Diocletian and Julius Caesar—is eternally relevant, especially today,” emphasized the festival director, Vicko Bilandžić. Ivan Leo Lemo, director of the Diocletian opera, which will premiere under the baton of maestro Hari Zlodre on July 14, highlighted the importance of this, as the opera, considered Ivo Tijardović’s life's work, has never been fully staged before. “On this occasion, celebrating 130 years since Tijardović’s birth, we are paying homage to a great master. We will show that this is a significant work, although many have unjustly doubted its value over the years.”
Renowned Croatian-Danish actor Zlatko Burić, recipient of numerous awards including the European Film Award, will star in the drama premiere Fox, based on Dubravka Ugrešić’s novel, directed by Ivica Buljan: “I’m very happy to be in Split for Split Summer Festival and to be part of this event. Dubravka Ugrešić was part of our Zagreb scene in the '70s and '80s, and even when she moved abroad, we shared that emigrant destiny.”
Ivan Penović, director of Drama at the Croatian National Theatre in Split, said: “In addition to the Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, directed by Albanian director Qëndrim Rrijani, who is less known on our cultural scene but is a reputable director with multiple Shakespeare productions and Ugrešić’s Fox, which he dramatized and is directed by Ivica Buljan, our productions Smije i suze starog Splita and Judith and Footnotes from a Storm will return to the stage, fitting perfectly with the theme of leaders and authority. Along with Long Night’s Journey into Day by Ivica Buljan, with an exceptional cast that includes regional actors, and successful monodramas Violet and The Rest of My Life, as well as Hamlet produced by Split’s First Gymnasium, this is the drama program I am very proud and happy about.”
HNK Split’s chief conductor, Mikhail Sinkevič, who will conduct performances of Tosca and the ballet premiere Chopiniana/Night of Witches, reflected on the opera program, stating, “The premiere of Diocletian is the main event, but there’s also the charismatic opera Tosca and Ero the Joker, the Croatian opera I love and greatly respect,” said Sinkevič.
Denis Matvienko, director of the Split Ballet, is choreographing the ballet premiere Chopiniana / Night of Witches outdoors on the beaches of Split. As one of the world’s leading ballet dancers, Matvienko will also perform in the ballet gala evening for the Split audience. The second ballet premiere, part of the coproduction project K-HNK, is the contemporary dance piece Othello, choreographed by Maša Kolar.
Qëndrim Rrijani, a renowned Albanian director, commented: “The Julius Caesar I am staging might be the most politically charged drama. I am glad to have at my disposal the excellent Split drama ensemble, from Trpimir Jurkić in the title role to all the other actors.”
The festival’s literary program is organized in cooperation with the Split City Library “Marko Marulić,” and, in addition to everything mentioned, includes several curated art exhibitions.
The program of the 71st Split Summer Festival is available at https://www.splitsko-ljeto.hr/.