President Milanović Meets with Komedija Theatre’s Director and Performers
The President of the Republic Zoran Milanović met today with the director of the Komedija Theatre in Zagreb, Miljenko Puljić, and members of the theatre’s acting ensemble: Sandra Bagarić, Mila Elegović, Damir Lončar, and Đani Stipaničev.
Founded in 1950 through the merger of the Zagreb Drama Theatre and the Vedri Kerempuh Theatre, the Komedija Theatre is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. During the meeting, the discussion focused on the theatre’s rich repertoire – which includes operettas, musicals, dramatic comedies, and rock operas – most of which are performed in the historic Franciscan Hall at Kaptol 9, home to the Komedija Theatre.
It was noted that Komedija is the only city theatre in Croatia with a permanent acting and singing ensemble, as well as its own choir, ballet, and orchestra. The theatre occasionally stages larger productions at the Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall. However, challenges in staging performances were discussed, particularly due to the limited and inadequate space at the Kaptol venue, which is too small for many musical productions. It was also noted that following the 2022 earthquake, the theatre underwent structural renovation, and preparations are currently underway for an energy-efficiency upgrade. Planned improvements include replacement of joinery, installation of energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, and adapting the space to be accessible for persons with disabilities.
President Milanović was accompanied at the meeting by Zdravko Zima, Special Adviser to the President of the Republic for Culture.
PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Marko Beljan