The musical West Side Story premiered at the Croatian National Theatre Ivan pl. Zajc in Rijeka, directed and choreographed by Lea Mujić. The production features all artistic ensembles of the Rijeka HNK, including Croatian and Italian drama, opera, ballet, and the Rijeka Symphony Orchestra. The main roles are alternated by Damir Kedžo, Neven Stipčić, Katarina Margaretić, and others. The musical, an adaptation of the famous film inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, is set in New York’s Upper West Side in the 1950s and follows the tragic love story of Tony and Maria, members of rival gangs. The production brings intense emotions and very relevant themes, with planned performances at the summer stage in Opatija.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning sources emphasize the cultural and artistic significance of the West Side Story musical premiere in Rijeka, highlighting the inclusive collaboration of diverse artistic ensembles and the contemporary relevance of the themes such as social conflict and love across divides. They may also focus on the representation of minority groups and the adaptation of a classic story to modern contexts.
Center: Center-leaning sources report the event factually, focusing on the details of the premiere, the cast, the production team, and the schedule of upcoming performances. They highlight the musical’s historical background, its inspiration from Shakespeare, and its importance as a cultural event in Rijeka without strong political or social commentary.
Right: Right-leaning sources might emphasize the preservation of traditional cultural values through the adaptation of a classic story like Romeo and Juliet, and the success of Croatian artists and institutions in staging internationally renowned works. They may also highlight the national pride in local talent and the promotion of Croatian cultural heritage.
