Croatian National Theatre in Split

In the heart of the vibrant city of Split, Croatia, stands a beacon of cultural heritage and artistic excellence: the Croatian National Theatre in Split. Known locally as Hrvatsko narodno kazalište u Splitu, this magnificent theatre has been a cornerstone of Dalmatian arts and culture since its inception in 1893. With its stunning architecture, rich history, and dynamic programming, the Croatian National Theatre in Split is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring this beautiful Mediterranean city.

A Glimpse into History

The Croatian National Theatre in Split was originally constructed as the Split Municipal Theatre during the mayoralty of Gajo Bulat. Designed by local architects Emilio Vecchietti and Ante Bezić, and adorned with interior decorations by artists Eugenio Scomparini, Napoleone Cozzi, and Josip Varvodić, the theatre was a marvel of its time. With a seating capacity of 1,000, it was the largest theatre in Southeast Europe, a remarkable feat considering Split's population was only 16,000 at the time.

The theatre's early years saw performances by traveling troupes, primarily Italian, as Split did not have a full-time drama ensemble until the early 20th century. In 1920, the theatre underwent its first renovation and was renamed the Dalmatian National Theatre. A few years later, during the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, it merged with the Sarajevo National Theatre and was renamed the National Theatre for Western Regions. Despite political upheavals and the disbanding of the professional actors' ensemble, a group of dedicated artists, led by Ivo Tijardović, kept the spirit of the theatre alive by forming the Split Theatre Society.

A Revival and a Setback

The theatre experienced a significant revival in 1940, adopting its current name and establishing opera, drama, and ballet ensembles under the leadership of Tijardović, Marko Fotez, Oskar Jozefović, and Ana Roje. However, this resurgence was short-lived due to the Italian occupation during World War II, which led to the theatre's closure. It wasn't until after the war, on July 1, 1945, that the Croatian National Theatre in Split was re-established, opening its first post-war season with a play by Croatian author Mirko Bogović.

Tragedy struck again in February 1970 when a devastating fire almost completely destroyed the building. For the next decade, the theatre's ensembles performed at various venues in Split until the newly rebuilt theatre reopened in May 1980, restoring its status as a cultural landmark.

A Hub of Cultural Activity

Today, the Croatian National Theatre in Split is a bustling hub of cultural activity, hosting around 300 performances each year, attracting an audience of approximately 120,000. The theatre stages 20 to 40 opera, ballet, and dramatic productions annually, alongside numerous symphony concerts performed by the in-house orchestra. As the premier theatre house in Dalmatia and one of the oldest in the Mediterranean, it continues to uphold its legacy of artistic excellence.

Festivals and Celebrations

The Croatian National Theatre in Split is also renowned for organizing two long-running annual festivals that draw visitors from near and far.

Split Summer Festival (Splitsko ljeto)

Established in 1954, the Split Summer Festival is the second oldest performing arts festival in Croatia, following the Dubrovnik Summer Festival. Held over a 30-day period between mid-July and mid-August, the festival features a diverse array of events, including open-air jazz and classical concerts, art exhibitions, theatre plays staged in public squares, and modern dance performances. Many of these events take place in historic venues such as the Diocletian's Palace, adding a unique charm to the festival's atmosphere. Over the years, the festival has hosted renowned conductors and performers, cementing its reputation as a highlight of the cultural calendar.

Days of Marulić (Marulićevi dani)

Inaugurated in 1991 to commemorate the 490th anniversary of the publication of Judita, a seminal work of Croatian literature by 15th-century author Marko Marulić, the Days of Marulić festival is a celebration of Croatian playwriting. Held in April, this week-long festival showcases the best achievements in Croatian theatre from the preceding year. The festival's main award, the Marin Držić Award, is sponsored by the Ministry of Culture and is presented to the author of the best play written that year, highlighting the ongoing vibrancy and creativity of Croatian theatre.

In conclusion, the Croatian National Theatre in Split is not just a building; it is a living testament to the resilience and passion of the artistic community in Split. Its storied past, coupled with its ongoing commitment to cultural enrichment, makes it an essential stop for anyone visiting this historic city. Whether you're a lover of opera, ballet, drama, or simply a curious traveler, the Croatian National Theatre in Split offers a rich and rewarding experience that will leave you with lasting memories of your time in Split.