HKC Marko Marulić Brings the Youth Satirical Theatre from S. Brod to Bitola

On the occasion of Croatian Parliament Day, the play "DON'T WALK AROUND NAKED" („NE MOTAJ SE OKOLO GOLA GOLCATA'') will be performed at the Culture Center in Bitola, North Macedonia, on October 16 starting at 7:00 PM. This is an adaptation of the iconic vaudeville comedy by Georges Feydeau, one of the greatest French masters of farce theatre, written 100 years ago. The play is directed by Silvio Stilinović and performed by the Youth Satirical Theatre (SKM) from Slavonski Brod, following an invitation from HKC Marko Marulić from Bitola.

The visit of this theatre group is organized by the "Marko Marulić" Croatian Cultural Center in Bitola, in cooperation with the Municipality of Bitola and the Culture Center.

The program of the Croatian Cultural Center is designed to encourage the international public to get to know Croatian cultural heritage and the Croatian linguistic identity. Cultural visits and collaborations have been ongoing for more than 30 years, including numerous exhibitions, concerts, theatrical performances, book promotions, and lectures—all aimed at introducing the Macedonian public to the rich Croatian culture and tradition.

The play stars Fabian Tadić, Petra Kovačević, Slavko Radovanović, Petar Opačak, and Antonio Juričić. Costume design is by Tajana Balaž Jurišić, while the set design was created by Zlatko Orešković and Saša Karić. Since its premiere last year, the play has been packing theatres and cultural centers across Croatia wherever it is performed. Although the text is more than a century old, director Silvio Stilinović and his young team have set the action in modern-day Croatia. In the best possible way, they have shown that even centuries have not changed the very essence of human character, with all its virtues and flaws. "Stilinović's direction succeeds in something that is difficult even for professional ensembles—extracting spontaneity, authenticity, and an excellent pace from young actors, keeping the audience engaged from the first to the very last scene. Together with assistant director Saša Karić, he has created a play that offers what the audience wants most—genuine laughter," according to Croatian theatre reviews.

While the cultural scene often complains about a lack of youth, this example from Slavonski Brod shows how important it is to invest in amateur theatres. Here are young people who choose acting, creativity, and cooperation; they are a true rarity, but also an asset to the community that is well worth investing in.

Furthermore, this theatre has existed since 2006 and has won numerous awards both in Croatia and at international festivals. As the actors themselves say—for us, awards are proof that we are on the right track with what we do. The Satirical Theatre can rightfully say that through its plays, cultural significance, and the space it opens up for youth and theatre lovers, it has become one of the pillars of social life in the city of Slavonski Brod.

SKM is often called a "theatre on wheels." A large number of guest performances—from Bitola, Vitez, and Kragujevac to Bjelovar and Sinj—is one of the key characteristics of this ensemble's work. The second is, of course, the Amateur Theatre Festival organized by SKM. The third notable achievement in its long history is that SKM has been a starting point from which 11 young people found their life's calling, going on to study or graduate from arts and theatre academies in Osijek, Zagreb, and Split.

This year, the Croatian Cultural Center has organized several significant events. It was the initiator behind signing the Memorandum of Cooperation between the "St. Kliment Ohridski" National and University Library in Bitola and the "Marko Marulić" City Library in Split, the organizer of the recent tour of the Ilinden Cultural and Artistic Society in Croatia, and a participant in international conferences and seminars, among other initiatives.