Monday, September 16th; 11.00 h; Cultural centre Travno venue; 50 minutes; 6+; in Croatian
Two children, whose living conditions have made them unhappy, apathetic and uninterested in everything, thanks to the small garden they decide to take care of, find the will to live and thus help the adults around them to find it again. Told like this, it seems like a simple story about children for children, but in The Secret Garden by F. H. Burnett it becomes, especially when reread in the light of modern times, a story that serves as an example. It is a story that carries a powerful message: only by feeling part of nature can we heal our weaknesses and find yourself.
The choice of shadow theater as a theatrical language allowed to move to a more imaginary time than historical, by successfully depicting the place within the frame and the fast, almost cinematic, rhythm of scene changes. Four actors, who are an integral part of this idea of Shadow Theater, have the task of guiding us through the story thanks to the game of continuous change of roles: narrator, characters, and animators of shadow characters. However, above all, they have the task of testifying to us about the indispensable role of theater in our society.
BRANKO MIHALJEVIĆ CHILDREN’S THEATRE IN OSIJEK, REPUBLIC OF CROATIA
Branko Mihaljević Children’s Theatre in Osijek began its work in 1950 as the Pioneer Theatre with plays performed by children who were amateur actors. Following a decision of the Osijek
Municipality, the theatre gained professional status in 1958 and was named the Ognjen Prica Children’s Theatre, a name it retained until 1991. Since 2006, it has borne the name of a prominent Osijek musician Branko Mihaljević. Throughout its history, the Theatre’s repertoire contained notable works of Croatian and international authors produced by prominent directors and artists as puppetry and drama performances. They particularly cultivate their work with children. The Theatre and its performances participated in all relevant festivals in the country and abroad and the theatre received numerous awards and honors for its artistic achievements.
