The Dragon in Osijek: When Puppetry and Politics Hit You Right in the Feels!
Something happened in Osijek that will make you rethink everything you know about theater and politics. The play “The Dragon,” by Russian playwright Evgeny Schwartz, premiered at the Croatian National Theater Osijek, and it’s not just another knight-and-dragon fairy tale. No, this is a horror fairy tale with puppetry elements that exposes a dark political reality.
Mythology with Spies? Yes, you read that right!
The plot is classic: a knight comes to kill a dragon that has ruled a place for years. But the locals aren’t thrilled about change because they’ve gotten used to tyranny. When you strip away the magic, what remains is a picture of an eternal political system – tyrant, minions, a network of spies, and a grotesque system that works. Sounds familiar? Director Dražen Ferenčina says the play deals with the need for change and that without a change in consciousness, no real change happens.
A Banned 1940s Play, Now on Osijek’s Stage!
Interestingly, “The Dragon” was written in the 1940s but was soon banned by Stalinist authorities, and the author was blacklisted. Now, decades later, the play returns as a co-production of Osijek’s Croatian National Theater, the Branko Mihaljević Children’s Theater, and the Academy of Arts and Culture Osijek.
Puppetry is Not Just for Kids!
This play is a unique chance for adults to enjoy puppetry elements that are heavily featured. The director of the Children’s Theater, Ivica Lučić, emphasizes that puppetry is not just children’s art but a true artistic form.
The Message is Clear and Sharp: the fight against tyranny doesn’t end when the tyrant falls; it begins with changing people’s consciousness. The drama director of Osijek’s HNK, Duško Modrinić, stresses this as the key message.
Cast and Production
The cast includes Matko Duvnjakjović, Mateja Tustanovski, Gordan Marjanović, Ivica Lučić, Mirko Ilibašić, and Grgur Grgić. Dramaturge Petra Mrduljaš, music by Šimun Matišić, costumes and set design by Marita Ćopo and Dražen Ferenčina, and stage movement by Alen Čelić.
Why Does This Matter?
In times when political games and manipulations happen behind the scenes, “The Dragon” reminds us that the real fight is in changing consciousness and uncovering truth. The play is nominated for the Croatian Acting Award and is expected to continue its life beyond the Osijek Summer Culture Festival.
If you thought puppetry was just for kids or political fairy tales were boring, “The Dragon” will prove you wrong. And maybe you’ll wonder – who is the real dragon in our society?
And hey, if you’ve seen the play or have thoughts on how politics and art go hand in hand, drop a comment below. Let the audience’s voice be heard!
