Paolo Magelli, ahead of last year's premiere, emphasized the continuous presence of war in Europe for over 2500 years. Despite Brecht's warning to learn from history, it seems we haven't learned anything and haven't turned Europe into a continent of peace. The themes of war and peace, men and women, sex and politics, were addressed by Aristophanes and Homer, and their relevance remains undiminished to this day.
Petra Kovačić Botić, recipient of the Judita award at last year's Split Summer Festival for her role as Aristophanes' protagonist Lysistrata, portrays the lead role in LizistRATa. The ensemble cast also includes Nives Ivanković, awarded the Zlatni Studio for her portrayal of Kalonike, along with Monika Vuco Carev, Katarina Romac, Anastasija Jankovska, Andrea Mladinić, Ana Marija Veselčić, Marjan Nejašmić Banić, Zdeslav Čotić, Luka Čerjan, and Stipe Radoja.
Paolo Magelli's directorial concept adds a blend of comedy and genuine tragedy to the themes of pacifism, feminism, and female anger. This is further enhanced by the music of Damir Martinović Mrle and Ivanka Mazurkijević. The play draws inspiration from Predrag Lucić's work and the lyrics of "kupi mi mama jedan mali rat" ("Mom, Buy Me a Little War"), which Mrle later transformed into the well-known song "Mama ŠČ" by his band Leta3!.
The 69th Split Summer Festival will also feature the premiere of the opera Tosca, the ballet Dora and Slava, an Opera Gala concert, renowned musicians performing a range of musical styles from classical to contemporary, as well as reprisals of acclaimed independent productions, and outstanding ballet performances such as the spectacular Decadance Ballet by the Zagreb National Theatre (HNK) and many other exceptional theatre and concert productions.
Tickets for the 69th Split Summer Festival are available for purchase at the Croatian National Theatre (HNK) box office and online at the festival's official website: https://www.splitsko-ljeto.hr. This year, the festival organizers at HNK Split are offering significant discounts on ticket prices for loyal theatre audiences, subscribers, retirees, students, and pupils.