As part of the European event “Theater Night,” which is traditionally held simultaneously in more than 80 Croatian theatres, a performance inspired by Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić’s fairy tale “Stribor’s Forest” was staged at the Hvar Theatre on November 15, 2025. The play was fully produced by the Arts Academy in Split (UMAS) and performed by students from the Acting Department and the Visual Communications Design Department (DVK), alongside their mentors.

“Stribor’s Forest” is a cult classic of Croatian literature, exploring themes of maternal love, loyalty, and temptation through fantastical elements and the conflict between good and evil. The performance was staged at the Hvar Theatre as a guest production, resulting from the collaboration between the Arts Academy and the Public Cultural Institution HVAR 1612.

The performance was held under the mentorship of Professor of Arts Bruna Bebić, directed and adapted for the stage by Assistant Professor of Arts Davor Pavić, with the professional collaboration of Anja Ostojić, Artistic Assistant for stage movement.

The performers are 3rd-year Acting students: Mirela Banić, Damira Bočina, Petar Čakić, Nikolina Domuzin, Laura Jurišić, Leon Macanović, Luka Tino Šajin, and Marija Vrček.

The visual segment of the performance, including the set design, poster, and both indoor and outdoor projections, was created and produced by Visual Communications Design (DVK) students Karmen Ivančić and Eva Rezar, under the mentorship of Senior Lecturer Nikša Vukša.

The performance was highly attended and received with great interest, approval, and joy, especially by the youngest members of the audience.

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