The drama Summers with Marija, an adaptation of the novel by Olja Savičević Ivančević, will have its premiere staged by the Drama Ensemble of the Croatian National Theatre in Split on Friday, January 24th.
The play is directed by Marina Pejnović, with the novel adapted for the stage by Mila Pavićević. The cast includes Snježana Sinovčić Šiškov, Katarina Romac, Ana Marija Veselčić, Lucija Alfier, Zdeslav Čotić, Petra Kovačić Botić, Zorana Kačić Čatipović, Bruna Bebić, Monika Vuco Carev, Tajana Jovanović, Stipe Radoja, Nikša Arčanin, and Marjan Nejašmić Banić.
The play Summers with Marija explores the ever-relevant topic of women’s position in society through various generational perspectives. Set in a stone house in a Dalmatian town, from 1921 to 2021, it weaves a mosaic of stories and viewpoints revolving around various women named Marija (Maša, Mare, Meri). Together, these stories paint a comprehensive picture of endurance, transformation, the creation of history, and the emotions of a broader family circle.
"This is a story about Dalmatia, the Mediterranean, and the Balkans; about women and girls, lovers, mothers, and sisters; about their relationships with one another and the men close to them. It’s about belonging and not belonging to one’s community, rejection and friendship, multiple identities, wars, and their aftermath, those who leave, those who stay, and those who come, choosing their home and people out of love," said Olja Savičević Ivančević.
"This play is about preserving our family stories because we exist as long as someone can retell us. The pillar of the dramaturgy is Snježana Sinovčić Šiškov's role as the mother, who, as the family's anchor, recalls all these family stories. Another key character is Charon, portrayed through several figures by Marjan Nejašmić Banić, serving as a guide to the death of the main character’s mother. The main character in the play is called 'She,' played by Ana Marija Veselčić," director Marina Pejnović explained at a press conference.
The creative team behind the play, in addition to director Marina Pejnović and dramaturge Mila Pavićević, includes costume designer Petra Pavičić, set designer Zdravka Ivandija Kirigin, choreographer Anja Ostojić, assistant set designer Nikolina Kuzmić, video projection designer Sara Salamon, composer of stage music Gordan Tudor, sound designer Tomislav Luetić, and lighting designer Srđan Barbarić.
Following its premiere on January 24th, the first repeat performances are scheduled for January 25th, 27th, and 28th.