The production of The Balkan Spy, written by Dušan Kovačević, directed by Miloš Lolić, and performed by the Croatian National Theatre Ivan pl. Zajc in Rijeka (Croatia), will be performed on the “Ljuba Tadić” Main Stage on Wednesday, June 10th.
Dušan Kovačević’s drama addresses fear, paranoia, and social control through humor, the absurd, and the grotesque. The Balkan Spy achieved its cult status precisely because it satirically comments on the mechanisms of social manipulation and fear, making it highly relevant to this day. The production, directed by Miloš Lolić, further emphasizes how excessive suspicion, distrust, and an obsession with external threats can lead to absurd and tragicomic situations, creating tension between the individual and the surrounding system. At the same time, it establishes a contemporary context that prompts the audience to ponder and reflect on today’s society and its environment.
The production, which premiered in February this year, features Jelena Lopatić, Anastazija Balaž, Jelena Graovac Lučev, Damir Orlić, Jasmin Mekić, Edi Ćelić, Mario Jovev, Deni Sanković, and Milan Mudrić Mišo.
The adaptation and dramaturgy are by Ivona Rieger, with set and costume design by Miloš Lolić.
At the Yugoslav Drama Theatre, Miloš Lolić has previously directed Kaspar by Peter Handke (2021), The Journal of Čarnojević by Miloš Crnjanski (2014), William Shakespeare’s Othello (2012), The Dreamers by Robert Musil (2008), and The Other Side by Dejan Dukovski (2006).
